20 Little Things to Treasure in Autumn

The Inspired Room blog posted the question "what 20 little things do you treasure in Autumn" and I figured I would make my list since Autumn is my favorite time of the year.

 

1. Pumpkin Spice Lattes {I can't wait to try this recipe that Macoroni & Cheesecake posted} 2. Hiking in the mountains 3. Smores with the Moore's {to take place this Saturday} 4. Hayrides 5. Sitting around a campfire, under a warm blanket 6. Laying in a field, staring at the night sky 7. Sleeping under an electric blanket 8. Wearing my cozy knitted slippers around the house {currently around our camper} 9. The aroma of a Thanksgiving meal cooking 10. My favorite hot chocolate {generally saved for Christmas, but it is good in autumn too} 11. Camping trips 12. Seeing little kids all dressed up for Halloween 13. Trying new recipes that have pumpkin in them 14. The brilliant colors of leaves changing 15. Hot coffee and a good book on a cold day 16. Cramming as many family members that will fit onto a bed, just to talk 17. A warm sweater 18. Knitting 19. Taking a hot shower or bath after being outside in the cold 20. Spending time in the kitchen with family

What do you love about Autumn?

Pumpkins

I'm not going to lie. Every year, I have good intentions of buying a pumpkin to carve. Most years I make the purchase, but I don't actually go through with the carving part. I think we might have carved one pumpkin when we were newly married. 

Last year, I saw this tutorial on how to use a doily and paint to decorate a pumpkin. I tried it out and loved it {I actually used a Sharpie marker instead of paint – less messy}. I also liked that I could leave it out past Halloween. 

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This year, I am really liking the idea of using a pumpkin as a container to hold mums.

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Since I am lazy about the carving part, this type of project would probably go into the pile of good intentions that never happen, but I do like the elegant use of the pattern.

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Autumn

Autumn is my favorite season of the year. I am sad that it really doesn't feel like autumn yet. Somehow, even though we have had almost no rain this summer, most of the trees around here are green or dead, but the leaves are not changing yet.

Also the weather has been weird. It cooled down a bit last week, but this week is humid and mid-80's - I am ready for cool, crisp weather that invites me to wear a sweater.

I am hoping for a fall-like feeling this weekend on our camping trip in the mountains. Camping is always better when it is cool - there are no bugs, a camp fire feels nice and cozy, you don't sweat in your sleeping bag, the cold air makes you feel alive when you hike... I could ramble about this for a while. Mostly I am anxious for a real change in the season. I hope it happens soon.