Favorite Things About Fall
For the longest time, I was big on Summer. My birthday is right smack dab in the middle of the Summer season, so of course I'd be biased. Also, living in San Diego means that it feels like Spring & Summer all year round, & Winter is never really white, so Fall is the only refreshing change that us Southern Californians get to revel in. I have realized that life is amazing once September hits, & it's a shame that it only lasts 3 months a year!
Candles. I have a shameful obsession with candles, especially during the colder months. You just can't lose; the entire house smells delicious, & the flames set a super cozy mood. Fall is the season when all things sweet, spicy & pumpkin roll out! I love anything that smells like baked goods, seasonal fruit, & fresh air. The majority of my collection is from Bath & Body Works, (be sure to catch them when their 14.5 oz 3-wick candles are on sale! Usually 2 for $22) & Candles by Victoria. Some scent recommendations? If you like sweet/spicy scents like I do, pick up Cider Lane & Pumpkin Pecan Waffles.
(Photo from @jennfur24)
Baked Goods. Speaking of waffles, I let myself indulge in all things ooey-gooey & syrupy sweet! When it's cold at home, nothing warms everything up like an oven full of cookies. Or cupcakes. Or strudel. I'm making my own mouth water! Tell me you can resist a beautiful piece of pie. I can't. I'm sure 50% of my diet becomes dessert this time of year.
Baked Goods. Speaking of waffles, I let myself indulge in all things ooey-gooey & syrupy sweet! When it's cold at home, nothing warms everything up like an oven full of cookies. Or cupcakes. Or strudel. I'm making my own mouth water! Tell me you can resist a beautiful piece of pie. I can't. I'm sure 50% of my diet becomes dessert this time of year.
(Photo from buildingbuttercream.blogspot.com)
Pumpkin Spice Latte. I couldn't get off the topic of sweets just yet. I'm not much of a coffee drinker any other time of the year, but the cold weather means the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. If you haven't had one, you're missing out on a cult favorite. A right of passage of sorts. Coffee places often roll out new menus that include apples, caramel, & cinnamon, so you really can't go wrong no matter what you order.
Crisp Air. Southern Califonia is known for its palm trees. The leaves on palm trees don't change color or fall off the branches. The one thing we can enjoy is the small time frame of cold weather that comes with foggy mornings. I enjoy the brisk, fresh air & revel in the fact that the weather isn't making me sweat bullets!
Fall Fashion. Sweaters & scarves & boots, oh my! Fall definitely has the best fashion. It's not too hot to pile on the layers & accessories, & a full face of makeup won't melt off in the sun. Personally, I'm glad to ditch obnoxious neons & florals for warmer colors & structured style. Vogue's famous September issue, aka the Fashion Bible, is the largest & most coveted issue of the year. Fashion week kicks off every year in September, albeit to showcase Srping collections, but the entire industry is a buzz.
Pumpkin Spice Latte. I couldn't get off the topic of sweets just yet. I'm not much of a coffee drinker any other time of the year, but the cold weather means the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. If you haven't had one, you're missing out on a cult favorite. A right of passage of sorts. Coffee places often roll out new menus that include apples, caramel, & cinnamon, so you really can't go wrong no matter what you order.
Crisp Air. Southern Califonia is known for its palm trees. The leaves on palm trees don't change color or fall off the branches. The one thing we can enjoy is the small time frame of cold weather that comes with foggy mornings. I enjoy the brisk, fresh air & revel in the fact that the weather isn't making me sweat bullets!
Fall Fashion. Sweaters & scarves & boots, oh my! Fall definitely has the best fashion. It's not too hot to pile on the layers & accessories, & a full face of makeup won't melt off in the sun. Personally, I'm glad to ditch obnoxious neons & florals for warmer colors & structured style. Vogue's famous September issue, aka the Fashion Bible, is the largest & most coveted issue of the year. Fashion week kicks off every year in September, albeit to showcase Srping collections, but the entire industry is a buzz.
Steve Madden "Troopa"
Halloween-Themed Amusement Parks. The best time to visit amusement parks in the Fall, when crowds dwindle because vacations are over & students are back in school (also the best & cheapest time to travel). I recently went on a trip to Disneyland/California Adventure in Anaheim, & the pumpkin decor was in full effect! Popluar rides change for the season - Space Mountain becomes Ghost Galaxy, & The Haunted Mansion becomes The Nightmare Before Christmas. If you liked thrills & chills, Knott's Scary Farm & Universal Studios Fright Fest are the best amusement parks for haunted mazes! (My best tip for warding off the creepers: just smile & laugh! The actors are trained to target anyone who freezes up with fear, so laughing gets them off your back, even if it's a fake laugh!)
Halloween-Themed Amusement Parks. The best time to visit amusement parks in the Fall, when crowds dwindle because vacations are over & students are back in school (also the best & cheapest time to travel). I recently went on a trip to Disneyland/California Adventure in Anaheim, & the pumpkin decor was in full effect! Popluar rides change for the season - Space Mountain becomes Ghost Galaxy, & The Haunted Mansion becomes The Nightmare Before Christmas. If you liked thrills & chills, Knott's Scary Farm & Universal Studios Fright Fest are the best amusement parks for haunted mazes! (My best tip for warding off the creepers: just smile & laugh! The actors are trained to target anyone who freezes up with fear, so laughing gets them off your back, even if it's a fake laugh!)
(Photo from @eleventhgorgeous)
Basketball Season. When I was younger, I never thought twice about sports unless it was an Olympic Games year & gymnastics was on. The only other sport I cared to watch was basketball because it was good quality time watching it with my dad. Now I'm mildly into baseball & football, but basketball always has my heart! I'm always pulling for the LA Lakers & the Chicago Bulls :). Pre-season starts Oct 5th & regular season starts Oct 29th. Now, I won't be so bored when my boyfriend drags me to the sports bars for game night!
Warm Soup Belly. When it's cold outside, the only thing on my mind is a big bowl of noodle soup. I hit up my favorite ramen and pho spots at least 3 times a week. If you're in San Diego, check out UnderBelly in Little Italy for ramen (you'll thank me later!).
"Belly of the Beast" at UnderBelly (Ramen w/ Portuguese Sausage, Marinated Egg, & Pork in Tonkatsu Broth)
Vietnamese Shrimp Pho at Pho Cali (Rice Noodle, Shrimp, & Beef Broth)
If you're craving some authentic Vietnamese Pho, go to Pho Cali in Mission Valley; they will definitely take care of you! In the LA area? My favorite ramen joint is Daikokuya in Little Tokyo. Lines here are really, REALLY long, but so worth the wait! Just be sure that your schedule is freed up after you eat. Warm soup belly is known to lead to food coma, which leads to a long night of uninterrupted sleep!
Less Crowded Gym. The New-Year's-Resolutioners have long abandoned their dedication to the gym. Beach-Goers & Pool-Party-Patrons no longer have a reason to maintain their washboard abs & tanned skin. The only people to scowl at are the temporary Halloween-Hoppers who want to look good in their skimpy, overpriced polyester costumes. But once November hits, there will be a surge of parking spots & breathing room on the gym floor. Yay! I train all year round, & it really is the best time to spread out & get in the best beastly training circuits. Too bad it's only for a short time, because the whole rotation starts all over again starting January 1st!
Favorite TV Shows Return. I don't even have cable, but I get to watch the return of my favorite shows, thanks to all the apps on my iPad. Saturday Night Live comes back from their summer hiatus, & Grey's Anatomy continues strong! Other favorites include Family Guy, Parks & Recreation, & New Girl. New season premieres also mean that older seasons get released onto DVD or Netflix. Rainy day marathons? Yes, please!
Cuddle Weather. This may sound like a couple's thing, but anyone can snuggle up, sans significant other. Got a dog or a cat? Instant cuddle buddy. If I'm by myself, I pile on the pillows & blankets onto the couch & have a good ol' time binging on a Netflix marathon, hot chocolate in hand. Got a significant other? The time has finally come to cuddle up without the annoying summer heat! Got an "other" who isn't particulary "significant", cuddle up anyway! Just, you know, be safe!
If you're craving some authentic Vietnamese Pho, go to Pho Cali in Mission Valley; they will definitely take care of you! In the LA area? My favorite ramen joint is Daikokuya in Little Tokyo. Lines here are really, REALLY long, but so worth the wait! Just be sure that your schedule is freed up after you eat. Warm soup belly is known to lead to food coma, which leads to a long night of uninterrupted sleep!
Less Crowded Gym. The New-Year's-Resolutioners have long abandoned their dedication to the gym. Beach-Goers & Pool-Party-Patrons no longer have a reason to maintain their washboard abs & tanned skin. The only people to scowl at are the temporary Halloween-Hoppers who want to look good in their skimpy, overpriced polyester costumes. But once November hits, there will be a surge of parking spots & breathing room on the gym floor. Yay! I train all year round, & it really is the best time to spread out & get in the best beastly training circuits. Too bad it's only for a short time, because the whole rotation starts all over again starting January 1st!
Favorite TV Shows Return. I don't even have cable, but I get to watch the return of my favorite shows, thanks to all the apps on my iPad. Saturday Night Live comes back from their summer hiatus, & Grey's Anatomy continues strong! Other favorites include Family Guy, Parks & Recreation, & New Girl. New season premieres also mean that older seasons get released onto DVD or Netflix. Rainy day marathons? Yes, please!
Cuddle Weather. This may sound like a couple's thing, but anyone can snuggle up, sans significant other. Got a dog or a cat? Instant cuddle buddy. If I'm by myself, I pile on the pillows & blankets onto the couch & have a good ol' time binging on a Netflix marathon, hot chocolate in hand. Got a significant other? The time has finally come to cuddle up without the annoying summer heat! Got an "other" who isn't particulary "significant", cuddle up anyway! Just, you know, be safe!
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