Falling Back into Routine

There is a very bold line between my friends when it comes to seasonal changes. There are some who are dreading the coming season, while others cannot wait to for it. I am on the cannot wait for it side - as the summer is never a time I feel I can function at my best. I've seen so many negative posts on social media, taking digs at people who love this time of year. Here's the deal homies - everyone is entitled to their opinion. If you're one of those people who is taking digs at people on social media, you're ultimately shaming people for what they like. If you don't like the change, or are wishing for summer to stick around a little longer, then embrace your feelings. But making others feel like their opinion is wrong - is wrong. 



For a very pale, borderline allergic to the sun girl - the summer time can often turn me into a hermit. Unless its sunrise or sunset, I can't do much outside. For the first time in my life I managed to contract heat stroke twice in the same week. Not proud of it, but didn't love it either. So for me personally, I can't wait for cooler days, sweater and boot weather, and greater hair days. I can't wait for the fairs, the adventures, the food, the smells - that all correlate with Fall. It's no secret that I love the fall. Being a fall baby, I fully embrace this time of year. 

Growing up we had traditions for every season. In the fall, we typically went leaf peeping further north in New England, but also took a trip to Weston, Vermont. I would look forward to this trip every year. We would pack a picnic as a family, leave SUPER early in the morning on a Sunday and drive the 2 and a half hours north. We would get to the Weston Priory, find a parking spot, and head in to the chapel that the monks built. There we would partake in mass, pretty much outside. The foliage around the grounds was breathtaking, as were the grounds on their own. After mass was over, we would hit up the gift shop on site then head into the CUTEST little downtown. It was here that we would explore local shops and spend time together as a family. 



Of course we partook in the typical fall activities as well. Apple picking, pumpkin carving (more so when we were kids), decorating the house, planning our halloween costumes, baking with mom - you name it. For the 4 years of high school, I couldn't remember a time without football or a marching band competition. The sounds and smells alone can still stop me dead in my tracks. When I look back on fall before I moved out 6 years ago, I can remember all of the smells and flavors that went along with our family traditions. 



When fall comes around, I feel more at peace. I have an unspoken, regimented schedule that brings my heart so much joy. Weekends are adventure days, usually layered in a hoodie or cute sweater with boots. Sundays are football days - and that's absolutely non-negotiable. Growing up we weren't huge on football - more a NASCAR family. My dad's dad (Grampy) loved football, so when we went to visit, it was usually on. But that was the most exposure I had to football before high school. For the last 12 years, I have been more invested in football than I ever was, and it just brings such a semblance of happiness and peace to me -which is hilarious to think about, as the game is usually super stressful (at least for us New England Patriots fans)! 



Food is one of my biggest weaknesses - and fall food is NO exception.  I am all about the crockpot meals in the fall - because you just set them and forget them - until they're ready. Plus, with a crockpot, the house smells AMAZING. I would have to say my favorite fall meal is a toss up between CrockPot Apple Pork and a pizza from a local spot that has sausage, squash, and fresh ricotta on it - to.die.for. I am also a fan of football food - so any finger food or dips (buffalo chicken!) that can be made and munched on all day. 



When it comes to drinks though - I know what I like. In the alcohol department, I am a HUGE fan of hard ciders. Down East Cider is probably my top favorite, followed by Angry Orchard. I am not a beer girl - but I will absolutely drink a pumpkin beer. Jack-o-Traveler from Travelers Beer is my all time favorite, followed by Shipyard Pumpkin. In the non alcoholic aisle, I love me a good pumpkin coffee. I do not like unflavored coffee, so this time of year is perfect for me! Dunkin' Donuts has a pretty good pumpkin coffee, but it's loaded with sugar. I am absolutely going to try the new Pumpkin Cold Brew from Starbucks at some point this year - because I heard it was better than the Pumpkin Spice Latte. I am also a huge fan of farm fresh apple cider. There's nothing better! Couple that with some apple cider donuts and I'm happier than a pig in poo!



My other favorite piece of this time of year is the symbolism it promotes. This is a season of transition. The spring and summer allowed life to grow and thrive. Fall allows it's beauty to shine before it rests for a season. We focus so much on the future - I can't wait for x,y,z. Instead of enjoying the moment. I challenge you to take some serious time between now and December and truly see the beauty in what's around you. Rather than focusing on the season we're no longer in. Make memories with family and friends. Embrace what's around you. Try new things. Go to an event you've been wanting to go to for years. Find a well paved trail (if dirt bothers you) and explore local foliage. Whatever you can do to make this time of year better for you, DO IT.