This weekend was our first-ever with both kids in school, and wow did it feel like a much needed reset. My parents left on Saturday after a month-long stay with us (we miss you CocoBaba!!) and K and I are basically to re-learning how to be present parents, manage the household, go to work, take the kids to activities, be good friends, get dinner on the table etc all by ourselves. Even with four sets of hands when my parents are here, it always feels like we could use two sets more. After they drove away Saturday afternoon, K and I briefly panicked…and then quickly resolved to get down to business. We meal planned, meal prepped, cleaned the house and are bracing ready for the challenge of the week, baby. As I’m writing this, tomorrow will be our first double school drop-off without my parents. Thoughts & prayers welcome! :)
With school now officially back in session for us and everyone around us, there is a distinct buzz in the air. It’s the same buzz I remember feeling as a kid, waiting for the first school bus of the season in my new clothes: a mix of excitement for what’s ahead, with that subtle ache that summer is over.
And ever since becoming a mom, I’ve felt this weird pressure to maximize the experience of the seasons for my kids. Our first Halloween with S (she was three months old), I panicked the night before and bought a bunch of clearance decor from Target because I felt like we weren’t “celebrating enough”. S didn’t notice. I hated everything. And I ended up donating it all afterwards.
Changing up home decor with the seasons I’m sure is something that some people love, but it just doesn’t come naturally to me - and with limited storage space, it’s hard to justify storing items we only use a couple months out of the year. So, today I’m sharing some of my favorite ways to ring in the cooler months without buying allll the stuff.
Treat Yourself
To me, there is no better marker of seasons than food.
Fancy Fall Coffee - I know the PSL from Starbucks is THE most basic fall treat, but hear me out. The daily routines of life can feel tedious, and in the middle of it all we often don’t allow ourselves the joy of a little deviation from the norm. Let the fact that it’s late August/early September be the excuse you need to order yourself the dang Salted Caramel Maple Pecan Latte w/ a dash of cinnamon !!
Pumpkin
Baked GoodsEverything - S is in a big baking phase, and I can’t wait to make some pumpkin treats with her! This pumpkin olive oil cake recipe by Yossy Arefi is one of my faves.Delicata Squash - Why yes, I do have a favorite fall squash - and it’s Delicata. The first time I ever had Delicata Squash was at a friend’s house watching fall football. They served it with pomegranate seeds, and the simple yet surprising combination got me hooked. I start picking up Delicatas as soon as I see them out at the grocery store.
Get Hygge With It
Lean into darker evenings with extra coziness.
Good Candles - one way I like to combat my own internal panic about the sun setting earlier and earlier is to use it as an excuse to light the *good* candles. I’ve already shared a million times that my favorite candle these days is Flamingo Estate’s Roma Heirloom Tomato. I’ve also been eyeing Atmo, another non-toxic candle brand I keep hearing about!
A New Juicy Book - chillier evenings = more time under blankets = more optimal reading conditions. Start placing holds on Libby now for the good ones! I just placed holds for Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry and The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins.
A Wool Blanket - a good blanket makes everything better: your morning coffee, movie night, or a lazy Sunday nap (I would love more of those). After I learned that most the blankets in our house were made of plastic (aka polyester), my sister gifted me a beautiful wool blanket from Blarney Woolen Mills out of Ireland. It’s cozy and a fun statement piece!
Have Fun Outside the House
My favorite fall memories as a child are of special activities outside.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch - I love looking back at photos from years past and measuring the kids growth using a pumpkin for scale. Always fun to pick up pumpkins for the season and let the kids run around the corn maze. Bonus - the pumpkins double as seasonal decor at home :)
Go Apple Picking - This is harder for those of us on the west coast, but I’m determined to find a local apple orchard for the kids this year. Growing up in the Midwest, picking apples and drinking apple cider afterward was a core memory!
Take Family Photos - Fall is a perfect time to capture pics of the whole family that can double as holiday card material (if you’re into that), or just make a great keepsake!
Bottom line: fall doesn’t need to be about buying a bunch of temporary stuff. It’s about cozy food, cozy vibes, and simple memories that make the season feel special. What are some of the ways you like to ring in the new season?
<3 A
We were just up in Sebastopol and passed so many apple farms and were talking about finding a spot too! Also my favorite activity from growing up in the east coast! Maybe we need a Kensington crew apple picking adventure!