Falling in Love

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly-sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address." You've Got Mail
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I've always claimed fall as my favorite season. I love the smells, the foods, the changing light. I find something very romantic about fall. It's a fresh start, a well worn sweater, and a crunching walk through fallen leaves. This year, for the first time in a long time, I'm sort of dreading fall. This has been one the best summers I've had. I've gotten so much done, I've really fallen in love with blogging, the weather had been amazing, and I've felt so content. While fall usually feels like a new beginning, this year it feel like an ending. With less than two weeks of summer freedom left, I've realized I need to face fall and find things to celebrate and look forward to in the coming season. In no particular order, here is my list:

1. apples

I love everything about apples - the way they smell, look, taste, and even the sound of a good crunch. Fall is the only time truly perfect apples are available, and I'm excited for the arrival of winesaps, pink ladies, jonathans, fujis, and all the other delicious varieties.

2. new recipes

In the fall it's finally cool enough to having the oven going without turning the house into a kiln. I'm looking forward to trying new recipes involving apples, sweet potatoes, my slow cooker, etc.

3. Camping

Fall is the absolute best time to go camping. Preferably in the mountains. Preferably with great friends. Preferably without melting your shoes. Brad and I have a massive new tent, so we are ready for some hiking, smores, and spooky stories.

4. Homegoods

Homegoods has been teasing me with a "coming soon" sign for months. Their website finally lists a grand opening date of October 25th. Other bloggers always rave about their Homegoods finds, so I'm very excited to finally see what all the fuss is about!

5. Fall Decor

I love changing things up around the roost, and a new season is a great excuse to try new things. I have some ideas brewing for decor involving birds, twigs, and white pumpkins.

6. Sweater Weather

I heart fall clothes in general, but sweaters are my favorite. I love weather that's just cool enough for a sweater, but not a heavy winter coat. Bring on the hay rides, bonfires, and festivals!

7. New YA books

One of my favorite parts of my job is ordering new books. A lot of great books are coming out this fall that I know students are going to go nuts over. I've already been warned by a middle school librarian to expect a big 9th grade group of Hunger Games fans. I think I'm just as excited as they are for the release of the sequel, Catching Fire in September.

8. Where the Wild Things Are

If you have not seen the trailer for this movie. Go. Now. Watch! Everything from the music, to the cinematography, to the font they used appeals to me. I am going to love this movie, maybe even as much as I love the book.

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So there ya have 8 things I'm looking forward to as fall approaches. How about you? What are you most anticipating as the season changes?

<3

Hattie