Fall Favorites

Everyone knows I'm not a fan of the cooler weather or the shorter days. But in the spirit of embracing life and looking at the positive, I've decided to list some of the great things I love about the fall. See also: it's happening and I have no choice so I need to focus on the great.

Football ~This one is obvious and technically it starts in the summer.  Tailgating (although we can't do it often) is one of the greatest inventions ever. At home, we have been lucky enough to have very few freezing cold games at the Bank.  A warm afternoon leads to a cooler evening.  It's nice to have seasonal weather that helps keep us cool when we are steamed up about our nail biting games that aren't decided until the very last second.



Warm Day in October 2010 wearing our Pink

Tailgating on a WARM fall day = LOVE

Changing Leaves ~ Each morning on my drive to work I go through a winding road where the trees are huge.  In the spring, I'm thrilled when the brown branches turn a beautiful green.  In the fall, they change into amazing fall shades.  I want to take a picture of them because they are gorgeous. But considering the road is winding and I'm not allowed to text and drive, I assume I'm also not allowed to photograph and drive. So this pic will have to do. It's pretty close to what I see daily.



Almost Dolfield Road on the way to the Castle

Seasonal Stuff ~ You know all of that great stuff that comes out for the fall...Pumpkin spice lattes, muffins, cheesecake, candles, hand soap and decorations.  It takes me a while to accept its presence, but once I do, I'm all in.  I've been stalking Pinterest for the perfect fall dessert for about 2 weeks now. Decorations, candles, treats...I go all in. It's true.

Candy Corn ~ Brach's only. 

Fall Fashion ~ It's hard to stuff my flip flop freedom tootsies into my ultra stylish but rather restrictive riding boots, but once I do, I'm pretty OK with it. This is primarily because the need to wear boots is more out of fall fashion fun over necessity.  Scarfs (my fave) are the ultimate accessory when the weather starts to turn.  Most of all it's fun to go through my fall fashions and become reacquainted with my old cozy friends...Sweaters, Ugs, cords and my ultimate BFF, sweat pants. 

TV ~ Admittedly, I'm not a huge TV watcher.  Unlike some of my other friends who shall remain nameless, but you know who you are (FF), I don't have tons scheduled to record on my DVR. But the shows that I do have, I get super excited about their return.  Sheldon gets funnier every year, this could possibly be the year I finally get to meet the mother, I can't wait to see what kind of messes Naomi gets herself into and out of and even though it's kinda boring and way too rainy this year, Blair being on Survivor has got me hooked.

Fires ~ Of. Any. Kind.  Bon, fireplace, gas fireplace, pellet stove, rooftop fire pits, whatev.  They all rock in my world.  If you serve smores and wine along with, I may never leave. Consider yourself warned.

Family Dinners on Sundays ~ Family dinners on Sundays are one of my favorite things in the world, especially in the cooler months.  My mama always cooked a cozy dinner on Sundays when we were little.  It's comforting and absolutely wonderful to smell dinner brewing all afternoon while football is on the TV. When the kids or boys come in from the cool, crisp air where they have been playing (or doing whatever it is boys do in garages), the house is warm and delicious.  Beef stew is on our menu this Sunday...CANNOT WAIT!

HOLIDAYS ~ The summer for me is a 3 month holiday. Every day offers something to celebrate and I'm typically vacationing as much as possible. My co-workers can verify this.  But in the fall, there are actual holidays every month.  You know what this means right??? Decorations, celebrations, family, friends, wine (I convert back to red this time of year, btw), gatherings, gourd ball, parties, Beer Week, baking, presents, Oyster Bowl - it's a holiday in our family, NYC shopping, also a holiday for us, pumpkin carving, mums, Halloween, Thanksgiving, turkey frying, and it moves us right into Christmas which is so exciting!!  Let the celebrations begin!!!



T-Swifty and Bamboo Halloween 2011

Gourd Ball with a stick instead of a bat Turkey Day 2011

College BFF and me on one of our Annual Holidays to NYC circa 2009

Basically anything to do with festive fun, family, friends and food makes me happy...no real surprise there. :-)  What's everyone else enjoy about the change of seasons??

P.S. Baltimore Beer week starts Sunday...how will you celebrate??

xo~
Elizabeth