I. Love. Fall.

As my close friends and family already know, fall is my absolute favorite. I love everything about the season and I decided that I would share some of my seasonal bliss with y'all to make sure you're living this fall to its fullest.

Now, I wrote you a to-do list, but I don't want to hear any complaints because these are all wonderfully fun, and you can pick and choose your favorites.

1. Go to a pumpkin patch. Look around and don't stop until you've found the right one. Believe me, you'll know it when you see it. Make sure you take your rubber boots and a towel to wipe off your pumpkin with. That should make your trip home a little less messy. Carving it is optional, but I definitely encourage it.


2. Spend at least a half hour in a coffee shop. In my opinion, coffee shops are at their finest during this time of the year. They are usually decorated for the season and feature seasonal drinks such as pumpkin spice lattes, chai spice lattes, caramel hot chocolates, and many delicious others.


3. Go to a football game. Nothing says fall like a good game of football. College games are my favorite to watch, but you can settle for high school if you like. I'm not even that big of a football fan, but there's something about it that feels right during October and November. So bundle up and bring something cushy to sit on top of the stadium seat.


4. Find a good book to read. When it's pouring outside and I'm feeling lazy, my natural inclination is to curl up on the couch with a mug of cocoa, a blanket, and a really good book. If you don't have a book picked out, just ask me. I can definitely recommend a few... "Twilight" anyone?
5. Get out and enjoy the colors. This year, the Willamette Valley has been blessed with the loveliest foliage I have ever seen. Some say it's because we had such a dry September and October. At any rate, it's almost criminal to stay indoors when there is so much beauty right outside. My suggestions are to go for a hike or a walk if you can catch a few minutes without being poured on. Mary's Peak is especially beautiful right now because you can see all the Philomath leaves changing.
6. Go for a drive. Gas prices are down for the moment, so you have no excuse to say no. Jump in the car with a few friends or family members and just drive out to the country. Go somewhere that you've never been before and enjoy the scenery along the way. Last weekend, my parents and I stumbled across a little town called Oakland, Oregon. It had a beautiful historic inn with a real soda fountain, an old icehouse, and of course, several antique stores. It was a very pleasant surprise and was surrounded by some beautiful country too.
7. Listen to some mood music. Now don't laugh, but for some reason The Mama's and The Papa's make up a large portion of my seasonal soundtrack. Throw in some songs from Band of Horses, Billie Holiday, Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie and you've got yourself a perfect playlist. Of course, you're not limited to my picks.
8. Enjoy the food. Fall means harvest which consequently, means great fruits and vegetables are in season. Apples are at the top of my list because they're perfect right now. Try to cook or bake with the produce that's in season. Apple pie or apple crisp is a must.

As much as I wish it would, this fall won't last forever. So go enjoy it! And I promise, I'm not this obsessive about the other seasons of the year...