these are a few of my favorite things: autumn edition

Autumn continues to be my favorite time of the year, even here in Orange County where it seems to be perpetually summer, compared to Idaho. We have a few trees with changing leaves dispersed amongst the palm and eucalyptus, the nights are getting cooler and days will follow soon enough. I'm embracing my new home and this new pace of seasons all its own.

Here are a few of my favorite things this season:

1. PUMPKIN CUPCAKE HAND SOAP

Seriously, I have the cleanest hands ever because I keep washing them with this treat. Get it from Bath and Body Works while it lasts!

2. ANKLE BOOTS

 

I just haven't been able to rock the heels here the way I used to in Idaho. I don't know if it's my feet wearing out or the fact that you never know when you may end up at the beach and need something sand-adaptable, but I'm loving flats lately. I bought the cheap Target pair of ankle boots and love them. Cute with dresses and skinnies alike.

3. BUSTER KEATON FILMS

Homeschooling has given me the time and my children's attention to be able to share some great stuff with them. We've been watching a lot of Buster Keaton films lately. "The Hat" is their favorite. Everyone knows Charlie Chaplin, but I think Buster was every bit as brilliant.

4. BUTTERSCOTCH ROOT BEER

I know, right?! Mr. Perfect and I discovered this at a froofy bakery in the SOCO district and were hooked. It tastes like root beer going down then has this amazing warm butterscotch-y aftertaste. It feels like something Harry Potter and his pals would drink. Even if you have to special order it, get yourself some of this.

5. MARK RICHARD STORIES

He's always been one of my favorites and I've found myself re-reading several of his short story collections as inspiration for what I've been working on myself lately. "The Ice at the Bottom of the World" is my favorite, but they're all good. Ron Carlson has been making another rotation through my reading list as well. No better way to pass a cool evening than under a blanket with a good book.


6. JUST DANCE 5

Not sure if it will be good since it's just become available today but I love Just Dance. It's the only game I can beat my boys at. We're planning on renting it for a few days from the Red Box before deciding to drop the money to buy it.

I've also loved tackling the rowing machine lately (holy shoulders, batman!), finding new uses for curry in recipes, Mary Jane peanut butter candies, and my usual Vince Guaradi Charlie Brown soundtrack on Spotify repeat. Autumn is a time to return to schedules, the warmth and comfort of home, the magic of a board game or puzzle with the family. Take some time to enjoy it before jumping head first in to Christmas, will ya? :)