FALL!!!

One thing that has always defined me is how easily I get cold and how much I dislike being cold.  Since I am from Colorado, this may be surprising...I don't even fully understand it.  I've had roommates from Arizona and Southern Utah (you know who you are!) who can bear the cold way better than I can.  

 I have often joked that the fall and winter are so full of holidays to make up for the depressing weather and having to be cooped up indoors.  I have always dreaded having wet, cold feet and because my jeans are always too long for me, they have always become soaked as well. The overcast days make me want to curl up in a blanket and read a book on couch while sipping steamed milk with hazelnut. 

  (If you have never had this, you MUST try it. It is what I have always dreamed Butterbeer would taste like.  It is comforting and smooth and simply delicious.  Try adding spoonfuls of Coffee-mate hazelnut coffee creamer to hot milk OR if you have the $$$ to spend, ask for steamed milk with hazelnut from Starbucks. YUM.)

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 Spring has always been my favorite time of year because it means warmth and color are returning to the world.  

However, something incredible has been happening to me this year...

I'm EXCITED, very very excited, that fall is here and winter is coming!

It's like my eyes have been opened to something I have always noticed, but never SEEN.  Suddenly I find myself shamelessly giddy over every aspect of the season.  I have a hunch that it may have something to with:

1.   I no longer have to walk to school so I don't have to be in the cold more than I want to. (And it's easier to avoid that one inevitable fall on the ice that happens EVERY year.)

2. Two of the places we lived in at the end of summer (including where we live now) did not have A/C which made me really really really despise being hot.  

3. We are now the proud owners of a Cocoa Latte and I'm addicted and happy I finally have a reason to use it!

A few things I am LOVING and discovering this fall:

1.  LEAVES!

Okay Okay, I know.  This is an obvious one right?

Well, every fall in Provo has come with the usual scenic drive up Provo canyon.  I have always thought it was pretty but the colors never really captured me the way they seem to be doing this time. 

 Maybe, and actually very possibly, I am just finally becoming my father's daughter.  My dad has always been one for random scenic/sunday drives and has known how to enjoy the simple pleasures in life...as kids, we just never fully appreciated it.  Now as I drive down the street, I already feel sorry for my kids and how overly ecstatic I will be about the colors on the trees!

SERIOUSLY- Check out all those colors!!!

(I promise I usually don't take pictures while I'm driving...Sorry mom!)

2. Pumpkin
Never before have I embraced the season of the pumpkin.  Pumpkin-flavored treats have been enjoyed in the past but I have a full blown obsession with anything and everything pumpkin flavored this year.  At family gatherings, I will usually eat a piece of pumpkin pie, only if there is not a chocolate pie or some brownies nearby.  Suddenly, I feel overcome with excitement for that odd squash-filled pie!

*Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies*
*Pumpkin Cake with Apple Cider Glaze*
*Pumpkin Rolls*
*Pumpkin Muffins*
*Pumpkin Fudge*
*Pumpkin Waffles with Buttermilk Syrup*
*Pumpkin Bread*
*Pumpkin Pie*
*Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream*
*Pumpkin Monkey Bread*
*Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate*

SOOOO Tempting right?  I WILL eat each of the above this fall...

Who knew that these could be so delicious?:

(By "these" I was mostly referring to the pumpkin.)
Although these pictures are from a year ago, they still make me smile.  My nephew makes a pretty cute pumpkin model. 

3. Winter smell
A few nights ago, on a particularly cold night, I opened the window and curled up in a blanket next to it as I read.  The air was so refreshing and smelled like snow.  The winter air is so refreshing and seems to revive me when I feel stressed or busy.  

Also, the smells of Christmas already penetrate the air nearly everywhere you go which seem to blind me from reality as I find myself reminiscing.  

4. The Mountains
They really do look so much prettier when they're snow-capped or covered with snow!  Especially when the world down here begins to look so dull and dry.  

5. Boots!
For a very long long time, I have wanted boots.  Unfortunately, for a very long time I could not afford the ones I really wanted.  Then came the time that I graduated and was working full time and I could afford them!...and that's when I started dating Mark.  There were some dark days after I found out that Mark disliked/despised boots, but spring soon came to distract me from that sadness.  

Then I married that boot-phobic man (that I love so much) and then I found the world nearing the boot season once again!  So I put on my brave face and my big-girl (skinny jean) pants and I bought myself some stinkin' cute boots!!! 

The best part: My feet now stay dry and my pants don't get wet!  Not only are they cute, but they're practical...and my husband still loves me when I wear them!




Hello Fall, so nice to finally meet you!