Can you believe it’s already October, aka spooky season? I know I can’t. Summer seemed to disappear in a blink of an eye, but I honestly don’t mind. In fact, fall is my favorite season of all!
I know this year looks a little different with a global pandemic and the chaos that’s unfolded with 2020, but we can still celebrate what fall has to offer in a responsible/social distancing way, right? Right! Or at least we can make the most of it while we prepare for an election and hopefully receive answers as to how COVID will be handled moving forward (PSA, your voice matters, so VOTE).
Anyways, I’ve been thinking, as most people have, about things to do to keep me entertained while I’m stuck at home (with some limited, facemask required, contact with the outside world). As a result, I have compiled a list of fun, but safe, fall activities for my/your enjoyment:
- Bake all kinds of goodies in the kitchen. I shop at Trader Joes and so far I have made pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes, pumpkin cinnamon rolls, and pumpkin oatmeal cookies. I also plan to make a pumpkin or apple pie soon!
- Decorate the house with fall decorations. I hung up shimmery spider webs, a happy halloween banner (where everyone on zoom can see), placed decorative pumpkins all around the house, bought a pumpkin accent pillow, changed my letter board to say “it’s spooky szn witches,” and got lit with some fall scented candles.
- Relax and read a good book. I’m currently reading The Great Gatsby. But of course you can never go wrong reading Harry Potter or some suspenseful/crime novels (I recently read “You” and “Hidden Bodies” by Caroline Kepnes, and both books kept me on my toes).
- Movie marathon! Do you all remember the 31 Nights of Halloween that was originally on ABC Family, now on Freeform? Well this is probably one of my favorite October traditions! My favorite Halloween types of films include Hocus Pocus (all time favorite), Halloweentown, The Addams Family, Casper, Coco, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Some of these movies are on Disney+ now as well (hint hint). Additionally, you might consider hosting a Harry Potter movie night complete with butterbeer and a honeydukes candy bar.
- Watch Sunday and Monday night football. Evan and I are starting to become fond on the Seattle Seahawks. Who you rooting for?
- Visit the pumpkin patch. This is a must do during October! In the next few weeks Evan and I plan to go to the pumpkin patch (wearing masks of course) to pick out the best lil pumpkins we can find. We will probably bring Comet along for some super cute photos too (I’m that dog mom). Plus i’m sure we’ll meander through the corn maze and visit the petting zoo while we are there.
- Carve pumpkins and roast the seeds at home. This is another activity I plan to do closer to Halloween, as pumpkins can rot pretty quickly once carved. If you have suggestions on how I should carve my pumpkin, recommendations are welcome 🙂
- Purchase some fun fall accessories online. My online fall basket would probably include a cute fall sweater, wide brim hat or beanie, scarf, leggings, and boots. My bestfriend Ali also has an Etsy shop where she sales headbands, jewelry, and dog bandanas. The Etsy store is called LOheadbands, based out of Denver, CO. Of course, a halloween costume is also a must (this year we’ll be attending the Corgi Festival in Huntington Beach – Comet is going to be the golden snitch and Evan and I will represent our Hogwarts houses, Slytherin and Gryffindor, respectfully).
- Get crafty. Some ideas comprise pressed leaves, creating a foliage wreath, painting mugs, or making a thankful tree. The possibilities are endless and Pinterest has some really great crafting ideas.
- Take a scenic drive and watch the leaves change color. Hopefully we will see some fall foliage when we drive through the Santa Ynez Valley and visit Solvang next weekend!
- Go camping. Nothing says autumn more than roasting s’mores and listening to Crime Junkie around the campfire, amiright?
- Attend a fall festival? If sanctioned, then you might consider going to Octoberfest or a chili cook off. One of my favorite things to do as a kid was celebrate Octoberfest in Tahoe and visit Apple Hill just off the mountain. Unfortunately, we are still living in COVID times people, so you might have to wait until next year (who really knows)?
- Be basic! It’s pumpkin spice latte month witches 😉 It’s also a good time to enjoy some apple cider, mulled wine, or hot coco while you curl up under the blanket in some cozy pjs and enjoy time spent with family and close friends. Why not make staying at home fun?!
As you can see, this list is not exhaustive. There are plenty of fun/safe things to do during autumn time. Can you now see why its my favorite season????
