Well, if you happen to live in South Texas near My Neck of the Woods, USA, fall is a little different here. Now, I'm a proud Texan and I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. I mean, we have the best shaped state, and no other place knows how to properly make queso. I've also heard that breakfast tacos aren't even a thing in other parts of the country and I don't know how this can be. But, even this Texas girl gets a little blue this time of year because I would love just a little bit of cool weather and autumn beauty.
I put together a short list of how we do fall here for those of you who might be new to the area, like my Michigan friend Melissa who finds our South Texas autumns offensive.
1) Decorate
My house transforms this time of year into an autumn wonderland. Silk fall leaves and pumpkins galore take the place of my everyday decorations. Our living room becomes this warm and cozy space that wraps you up like a flannel blanket and gives you all the fall feels. And if there any fall feels to be had, it's probably only going to happen inside of your house because outside still thinks it's swimming and barbecue season. It's important to buy beautiful fall leaves at the store and take them to your house, because it's the ONLY place you will see them all season long.
2) Go Shopping for new sweaters and scarves
It's always nice to grab a few new pieces for the fall/winter wardrobe like cozy, jewel-toned sweaters and scarves in all the plaid patterns. So go shopping and then put them in your closet and then leave them there until January. If you're lucky, January might be chilly enough for the sweater-scarf combo. *Fashion tip* - if you must wear a scarf, find something lightweight and wear it with a sleeveless top, capri pants and sandals. Also, shorts and flip flops with a lightweight long-sleeved top works too.
3) Visit the pumpkin patch
Oh yes, go. Go pumpkin patching. Let your kids get on a pony and go for a hayride and make homemade scarecrows and take all the cute pictures. But, bring plenty of water and don't forget your sunscreen.
4) Enjoy the cooler weather
Instructions:
Set alarm for 5:00am.
Go outside. Take a light blanket.
Turn on the porch fan so the cool air has a chance to circulate.
Sit until 7:00am or until you no longer need the blanket.
The End.
5) Make chili and cornbread
This is the meal fall is made for, am I right? When you get the first cool snap where the high for the day is 78 and you can open your windows and feel a slight breeze, you bust out that warm comfort food so fast and don't even think twice about it. (*Note - you also might sweat a little when eating it, but don't be alarmed. We all do.)
6) Start a thankful list
'Tis the season for gratitude and it doesn't have to be November to remember what you're thankful for. Start a journal. Write the words on a pumpkin. Fill a jar of sentiments. For those of us who live here? Things that always make the thankful list include things like - air conditioning, weekend swims at the neighborhood pool, iced versions of our favorite fall coffees at Starbucks and not encountering any rattlesnakes on a morning walk.
7) Snuggle under blankets
This can be done two ways:
- Option A: See #4 and follow instructions with your snuggle partner
- Option B: Turn the AC down to 70, turn on all the fans and get your snuggle on from the comfort of your living room sofa
8) Go apple picking
Drive to the store. Make your apple selections. And done.
9) Bake all the yummy desserts
It doesn't feel like fall unless you've made pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, or pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies. Bake a pumpkin something and it will certainly feel like autumn in your mouth!
10) Take in some beautiful fall foliage
Open Pinterest. Search "fall foliage" or "autumn landscapes." And enjoy. You're welcome.
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