Prepping for Fall: 3 Simple Ways to Enjoy the Season
Fall is weeks away as I’m writing this and I can’t help but be excited! I can’t be the only one ready for the leaves to turn orange and wear cute, festive sweaters. Or better yet for the change in weather and those overcast days! There’s something about the fall season that brings a certain mood you can’t exactly pinpoint.
For many of us, fall is the season of getting ready to go back to school or working during the holidays. Whether that’s starting your first year at university or your first job, the season itself represents transitions and adaptability. Around this time last year, I was working as a barista learning how to make a pumpkin spice latte. This time, I will be working my second Black Friday and boy, I oddly can’t wait for what’s to come this year!
Adulting and The Seasonal Realization
Ideally though, I would rather be at home snuggled up looking out the window to watch the leaves fall. Instead, I’ll be spending most of my time at work. Like many others, I realized that we don’t fully get to enjoy the fall time merely because of our jobs, education, health, etc. Last year, I learned that we can make small changes to fully embody the season and be a part of it even during our fast paced lives.
Now you’re most likely like, “where would you even start?” Surprisingly enough, my time as a barista taught me that it takes tiny things to enjoy fall. Something like changing your wallpaper or treating yourself to a weekly drink. It helped me last year and I hope these little nuggets inspires you!
Here are some ways I have been preparing to enjoy the fall season ahead even for the second time around. The only reason why I also wanted to post this is because many stores have been bringing out the Halloween items! So, why not go ahead and make our spaces feel more autumnal even if we have to plan a little early.
Setting a New Fall Candle on my Warmer to Fill the Room
Recently, I got one of those candle warmers from Amazon and it’s made candles last so much longer for me. I only lit candles that I wasn’t too much in love with once it filled the room. There was one I got from TJMaxx thinking it would bring the autumn ambience, but it ended up smelling like baby powder!
I remember last year my family and went to the mall to do some school shopping. I looked around to was curious to see what Bath and Body Works had in store. We popped by to be enchanted to find their entire line-up for fall candles! There were sooo many different kinds and I couldn’t decide between at least three. This year, it’s the same emotion! When I tell you I love these candles so much, I have to restrict myself and not buy the store!
Shopping the New Bath and Body Works Fall Collection
The new line that they have has beautiful illustrations on the candles. Some had an underline musk smell while others were more on the coffee or pumpkin side. I ended up buying two because it was a buy one, get one free deal. Bath and Body Works always have good deals on the weekends, so for the price, it’s justified!
Once I get everything set up, I will be placing my candles on the warmer. The candles always seems to blow my room away and it’s so nice to look at. Even if I’m having a hectic day at work, I tend to find something to think about. Which is that heavenly scent coming from my candle!
Getting a small scented candle of a fragrance you selected and adored really changes the mood. It could be the perfect pumpkin scent or soft yet masculine like the The Fresh Fall Morning one I found. Depending on what you’re looking for, find a smell that reminds you fall. Once that scent fills the room, it will be as if you’ve stepped in your favorite fall movie or show!
Starting over My Library and Finding Fall Books to Read
It’s something that I shouldn’t be proud to say, but I haven’t been reading much books lately or at all this year. Ever since I began working, I noticed that I decompressed with my phone rather than putting it away to read or do something productive.
There’s nothing wrong with that, but as a personal choice for me, I wish to expand my vocabulary and grow my personal library. The other thing is that, oddly, as a writer and someone who loves reading any interesting articles, it’s been hard for me to pick up a book. When I was younger, I read a good amount of books compared to now.
Advice From my Mother
Talking with my mom, she suggested that I’ve been playing too safe with my interests in what I read. And that I need to challenge myself with books I wouldn’t normally pick up. She thinks I’m more of a thriller/horror reader and I’m not fully giving it a chance. It’s funny she says that because I think I’d be able to read horror instead of watching an actual movie!
When she told me that, I couldn’t agree even more and that’s why for me, starting my library over and finding books for the fall is ideal. I’ve tried going online to get recommendations on rom-coms or stumbling through Barnes and Noble. She’s absolutely right, I need to step out my comfort zone. I have a few books in mind, so I’ll share them once I figure out my reads for fall
We are all readers and if you want to look for something more on the physical side, try to challenge yourself to make reading more interesting. You can do something you’re used to or even do a change of pace. Or maybe, you’d rather pick any book that peaks your fancy and hey, that could be your yearly novel for the fall.
Order or Create Your Signature Seasonal Drink
I remember working as a barista, I was able to experiment with different flavors to know what tasted good. I tried pumpkin spice for the first time and even mixed the pumpkin sauce into an iced chai. It was very cool to experience honestly and the environment in the coffeehouse felt different during autumn time.
After I left working at the coffeeshop, I took my experience and tastings to find my own syrups to make my own things. Of course, I didn’t want to leave my experience on the counter of what I learnt! After I found another job, part of me wished to still practice the craft of making a drink.
Plus, it felt so nice to say, “Hey! This is what I like to drink.” Even working the drive thru, taking orders and seeing the everyday regulars inspired me that I needed to find that drink for me. That’s when the idea hit me that you can have a seasonal drink that reminds you of fall.
How I Crafted My Idea
My mom and I went to TJMaxx, whereas they sold Monin syrup and it was heavenly making custom black teas! We got the regular vanilla, brown sugar, and a few others. I was honestly curious on one flavor in particular and it was toasted marshmallow. I didn’t get it last year, but if they sell it this year, I’m getting it!
We also used different brands and types of black tea to see what flavor was strong. Or what paired really well with the syrup. As easy as it was at work, it was more difficult at home because it’s more experimental. There was also different creamers we used, ones that were tasty to finding some that froth very professionally!
Luckily, this year, we have our go-to brands of tea. The only thing next is to grab the syrups and start crafting! I think you can do the same thing, especially if you might be a pistachio person or prefer coffee! I know I used tea in my example but that’s because I’m not a fan of the cup of jo.
No matter your preference, it’s good to become your own barista or maybe grab one on the way. I know I buy one even if I need a good pick me up. If you have the one you love, that’s perfect because that one sip will be the essence of fall. If not or maybe you want to try something different, let this year be that year and hopefully you find something to your likings!
One Step Forward, A Giant Leap for Change
There are absolutely so many small and simple ways we can enjoy the season. With life needing us to work at this very moment, we can still make way to see the seasonal changes. There are also many other ideas like making a fall playlist or changing up your bedding.
Fall is the season that’s here to be embraced so let’s enjoy it together. I know I’m excited and you have to as well, so bring on the sweaters because here we come!
Don’t let the season go by and still find tiny things fall will give us! Until next time, I’ll be here to update you all on how my life has been lately as always.
LOVE, MYA
