The Wonderful Days of Fall, and All It's Warm Aromas

 It's officially Fall Y'all

That's right. It's here!

Were you ready for it? I am always going back and forth with this one. I feel like Summers get shorter and shorter.

I've always said Spring is my favorite season, for many reasons. My birthday is in Spring. Easter, which is my favorite holiday. I love when all things are blooming, sprouting, and peeping back out. It's a time to start fresh and get out there. 

There was also a designated vacation(Spring Break)!

I still consider Spring my favorite, but Fall is definitely growing on me as I get older.

Who doesn't want a natural clock telling them it's time to slow down, let things settle, and take a break! Amen!

Let me tell you, we need it!

We need that time to relax, rest, and reflect.

There are so many wonderful things going on that really bring the season to life, for me.

One of my favorite things about Fall is all the amazing scents that come with it!

1. First, for me, is sweet harvested hay! Oh, the nostalgia!

If you grew up on a farm, have driven down a country road, or ridden on a hayride, you'll understand.

If you know, you know. 

2. The smell of a bit ole pot of chili.

As I've gotten older, chili has definitely become one of my Fall favorites.

We are always busy, and winding down the day with a meal that you didn't have to stand and cook for over an hour is a win. Crock pot, slow cooker, whatever you call it, it's my best friend.

This is the Crock-Pot I've had for years. Simple 8 quart from Walmart. Not fancy, but it is well-used.

Plus, you really can't mess it up. Add whatever you want, beans, veggies, meat, spices.

3. While I'm talking about cooking, well go to baking.

I am admittedly the worst baker. I burn the pre-cut, break and bakes. No lie.

Daughter #2 and the hubs are the bakers. I love all the Fall pies. Apple or pumpkin, Yum! I'll take both.

4. I'm in Ohio, so if you have a fireplace, you use it! I cannot remember a Fall where you didn't smell firewood. It's just one of those staple smells. Even if it isn't a fireplace inside, someone is having a "bon fire" somewhere near. It's that distinct, sweet, burning smell.

5. Leaves are another distinct smell. Specifically wet leaves, if you're in Ohio. We seem to get more rain at the end of Summer, and into Fall, than we do in the Spring(most years).

PSA: my husband wants to personally thank the person who invented the leaf-blower!

I can only describe the scent as crisp, sweet, and humid.

6. Candles! I actually say Yum!, even though you don't eat them. If I could, I probably would!

Seriously, just the names of these sound sooo good! Apple cider, berries, pumpkin spice, cinnamon roll, hazelnut mocha, chai, fireside, toasted marshmallow, pumpkin banana scone. The list could go on and on!

Just go! Go check out these Yum Candles!

Yankee Candles

7. Lastly, and maybe my second favorite, is hot drinks!

Whether it be a pot of coffee(year-round for me), hot apple cider, a good ole chai latte, pumpkin spice frappé, or homemade hot cocoa, I'll take any of them!

What is your favorite "Fall" beverage?

Do you have a recipe? 

I am going to embrace this Fall. It has been one crazy busy year, and I'm ready for shorter days, and more indoor activities.

I plan to spend as much time as I can curled up in my fuzzy pants with my Chai latte and a good book!

What are some of your favorite Fall activities?

If you love Fall decor and are looking for some new things, check out Shein (10% off your first order), or Society6 

Both of these sites have some of the best Fall and even Halloween decor items. Everything from pillow covers, wall art, throws, coffee mugs, to door mats and outdoor flags.

Such cute stuff!

Be sure to let me know how you feel about Fall/Autumn.

I love to hear from you!

Happy Fall Y'all!

Be blessed.

What's That Quote? #23(Summer into Fall)

" And all at once, Summer collapsed into Fall."

Oscar Wilde

I have to admit, I have not read anything written by Mr. Wilde. I do know of many of his book titles, but honestly just haven't given any a try.

I'm not big into poetry, it just isn't my thing. And, I suppose, I've just not really had any interest in picking up any of his books.

I am however familiar with several of his quotes, mainly through Goodreads or other book-ish websites I use.

I find them witty and timeless.

I found this one particularly fitting today.

Here is grand ole Ohio, we literally went from weeks and weeks of  HOTT, dry days well above 80*F by 11am, to waking up to a flood warning, rain, rain, more rain, and thunderstorms with temps barely reaching a high of 68*F today. We are on day 3 of this downpour and it doesn't look like it will be letting up anytime soon.

I even caught a glimpse of some potential hurricane and high wind storms in the next few days due to everything moving farther north and inland.

So, yes, all at once summer has collapsed into fall!

I did quickly check my local ten day forecast, and it seems we may get a glimpse of what is left of this summer in the next week. Per Ohio, our chances are slim!

I'm not ready!

I am not one of those,... Ooooh, hoodies, flannels, bonfires, and all things pumpkin spice kind of girls. I am always cold, or cold if it is under 80*F and some people decide to crank the A/C down to 66 or so.

I want cook outs, pool parties, movie at the park, summer festivals, bikinis, and sunglasses!

I was not made for Fall or Winter.

I am 5' and pushing 110lbs. I have anemia and I need heat! Sunshine and blistering warmth!

I need Summer to hold out...just a little while longer!

I do love a good thunderstorm. That is, on the days when we can stay inside, snuggle up, be lazy, read a good book or watch an old movie, drink a cup of hot coffee and enjoy it. Not on the days when we have to venture out and be productive in the outside world!

In my perfect world, thunderstorms would only happen on weekends when we have nothing major planned, between the months of April and September.

The storms would happen after 7/8pm when we are already home and done with the majority of our day, and they would last all night long. I always sleep the best during thunderstorms.

The temperature would slowly began to rise with the sunrise and slowly dry out throughout the day.

You know....in my perfect forecast world.

I know, crazy...but that's how I would have it.

I'm just not ready for Fall. This whole year has flown by way too fast. I feel like I have jet lag from trying to cram all our Summer adventures into the last few weeks.

Between back to school happening earlier every year, sports, birthdays, holidays, and the rest of my crazy life, it is just too fast!

How is the weather where you are? 

Are you ready for Fall? 

Do you welcome it or are you clinging to Summer like me?