Now that October is here, it’s finally starting to feel like fall. Signs of fall are starting to appear all around us. The leaves are turning colors, cooler days and nights are on the horizon, fall decorations are appearing in stores, and pumpkin spice is everywhere. To celebrate the arrival of my favorite season, I wanted to highlight a few things I’m loving right now. Here are seven things I’m looking forward to this fall.  

1.     Cooler Days and Nights

The weather has been scathing hot here in Atlanta these past few weeks but I’ve been keeping a close eye on the forecast daily. I’ve got good news for you, cooler temperatures are on the horizon. Yippee! This weekend temperatures will drop into the 70s and 80s which means we can actually enjoy the outdoors without breaking a sweat.

2.     Pumpkin Spice

Over the past few years I’ve become such a huge pumpkin fan. I love pumpkin spice everything! Pumpkin muffins, pumpkin bread, pumpkin smoothies, pumpkin lattes.Lately I’ve been craving the pumpkin pancakes from First Watch and have to try them before the season is over. I love going to First Watch on Sundays mornings after church to sit by myself and read the newspaper while eating my pancakes.

3.     My Birthday

My birthday is at the end of October. I’m super excited about celebrating another trip around the sun. I believe every year is a milestone birthday because life is short and always worth celebrating.I’ll be turning 34. My birthday plans are up in the air right now but I hope to solidify them next week. I have a few solo activities that I plan to do throughout the month of October. I’ve booked a day at the spa, I’m going to a meditation class, and I’ve got a few brunches scheduled with friends.

4.     Fall Capsule Wardrobe

I’ve been toying around with the idea of doing a fall capsule wardrobe on the blog. Since I’m doing a year with less shopping, I want to write a blog post about how I’m rotating pieces of clothing in my closet to create new outfits. So stay tuned for a blog post on how to build a capsule wardrobe.

5.     Apple Picking

Last year my best friend Susan and I went apple picking with her daughter in North Georgia. It was my first time going apple picking. We had so much fun that I’m looking forward to doing it again this year.

6.    New Fall Recipes

Soups, apple cider, pumpkin bread, apple cake, sweet potato pie, and slow cooker recipes? Need I say more to figure out why I love fall so much. I love baking and cooking delicious fall recipes. I can’t wait to try the apple brown butter bars and chicken tortilla soup recipes in the September and October editions of Better Homes and Gardens Magazine .

7.     One-Tank Road Trips

I haven’t traveled at all this year personally. I’ve only traveled for work. So I’m Itching for a vacation out of town this fall. I’ve been trying to pay down debts and save money, so I’ve opted out of traveling to far distances. So this fall I want to take a few one-tank road trips to nearby destinations in the southeast. The destinations on my list are Asheville, NC, Charlotte, NC,the Gulf Coast Beaches, and Savannah, Georgia. Did I miss any destinations on my list? Where should I go this fall that’s only a tank of gas drive from Atlanta?