Sometimes I like to brainstorm my favorite things so I can get excited for whatever that thing is, and in this situation it’s fall. I always love fall. It’s full of good feelings, but it has this bittersweet taste because it means winter is just around the corner.

So, in no particular order I wanted to share a list of the things I love about fall.

— the changing color of the trees

Seriously, we drove to Louisiana this past week and boy oh boy the foliage in Arkansas was amazing. I love picking up a fallen leaf and twirling it in my fingers.

— the cooler weather

We all love summer, but half the time you can’t even go outside without automatically being drenched and sweat. It can get too hot to enjoy any outdoor activities so I’m trying to make the most out of the cooler, but not too cold weather to do outdoor activities.

— hot chocolate, hot apple cider, hot tea, etc.

You get my point, hot drinks of all flavors are delicious, and there’s nothing like curling your hands around a warm mug to sip on something delicious. Warms your soul.

— curling up on the couch with blankets and warm socks

My mom is a knitting fiend so I have quite the collection of socks that have made their debut. We keep blankets under our coffee table and I love snuggling up to watch a movie or something.

— fires (or candles if you don’t have a fireplace)

Both my parents and Michael’s parents have a fireplace and there is something so special about a crackling fire burning away in the background.

— s'mores

You didn’t think I was going to mention fires and not talk about s’mores did you? It’s one of those things that takes me back to being a kid, but s’mores are a favorite.

— halloween, thanksgiving and the start of the “holidays"

Candy, scares and warm comfort food, what’s not to love? Plus time to spend with friends and family.

— wrapping a big ol’ scarf around your neck

I love scarves, they’re like a blanket for your neck. You automatically feel more cozy, warm and it adds a little something to any outfit.

— that certain nostalgia that comes with the fall

Does the change in the season take anyone to that ‘back to school’ sensation? It always hits me in the fall and it’s filled with positive memories of returning to school, seeing my friends again and fresh school supplies.

— it’s a season of change

I’m constantly in self-improvement mode but I find that there’s something about fall that gets me into that let’s switch around some habits and get my life on track. I feel inspired to take on new goals and it’s a great time to reflect on the year and plan for the coming year.

— soup

Who doesn’t love soup, and bread? There are so many variations you can go for and it warms you from the inside. Not to mention it’s delicious.

— reading

I read year round, but there’s something about the cooler weather that makes you want to curl up with a good book. I’ve been working my way through quite a few books lately, and have started reading a book before bed instead of scrolling through my phone.

— season of hygge

Ok, I know hygge is a year round thing, but you have to admit there’s something about the cooler weather that really just makes you want to go full blown hygge mode.

What are your favorite parts of fall?