Fall Favorites

Happy Fall! The temps have already dropped just a little bit, and there is a chill in the air early in the mornings around Statesboro. I can't wait for it to be full-blown fall with sweaters, boots, and scarves a total necessity. I don't really have a favorite season {my least favorite is winter, for sure}, and there are lots of reasons that I love fall.

1. Sweaters, boots, scarves. Duh. 
   Boots and vests are easily my number one, go to outfit makers of the season. They make dresses last longer during the cold seasons, and dress up leggings and other basics. Also, why can't leggings be work appropriate?
   
   
2. The Fair! 
   The Statesboro Fair holds a special place in my heart. It's always the week of my birthday, and is where Christopher and I first met. We've gone every year except last year when I didn't live here, and it's what I always tell him I want for my birthday.
   
   
3. Salted Caramel Mocha drinks from Starbucks. 
   I like pumpkin stuff as much as the next girl, but anyone who knows me knows my greatest weakness is salt. Now before I hear another lesson on how unhealthy salt is, I'll have you know that I have the lowest blood pressure of anyone I know...which is saying a lot considering how wound up I usually am. This drink tastes like Christmas. It forces me into Starbucks, a place I normally avoid like the plague {cough..cough..Fivebucks}. I'm not really sure how to explain it, but this drink makes my insides feel happy.
   
   
4. Stores decorating for Christmas. 
   It's never too early! I don't care what you say! I'd honestly prefer it if we skipped Halloween and Thanksgiving all together and just plowed straight into Christmas with arms wide open. Hobby Lobby may or may not have begun putting their Christmas things out in July, and I may or may not already be stocking up on new ornaments and decorations. 
5. Pumpkin bread, and other fall baking. 
   Punkins...punkins...I love pumpkin bread. I usually just whip up the Krusteaz box mix from Sam's Club, but the real kicker is the lemon curds. Lemon curds, you ask? Oh it makes pumpkin and gingerbread goodies the ultimate cold weather foods. The tangy jam makes the spices come to life, and I can't have pumpkin bread without it.
   
   
6. Football. 
   Football is kind of a big deal in the South. I grew up a Clemson girl, and went to Georgia Southern, so obviously football is kind of a big deal to me too. What do I love most about football? All of it: the all day tailgating and late game nights, the dressing up in the perfect combination of colors, the screaming until you can't scream any more, getting the perfect game day picture in your game day sorority button, and if you're not actually attending the game...finding the only place in town that's playing your game and settling in to watch it with some wings and spinach artichoke dip.
   
   
7. Festivals. 
   Apple festivals, cotton festivals, even the marble festival in my mom's hometown--I love them all. Some of the best fall memories come from watching cloggers while eating boiled peanuts and fried Milky Way's outside by some rock jewelry makers. 
8. That smell in the air. 
   I can't describe it, but you know. It's crisp, a little smokey, and comforting. The first time I sense it, I get butterflies. 
9. The slant of the sun. 
   I started noticing it at the end of July, and now the sun is almost completely gone by 7:30 p.m. It's dark when I wake up now, too. I have diagnosed myself with SAD {Seasonal affective disorder}, so I cling tightly to the disappearing minutes of sunlight each day. I hate winter, specifically post-Christmas, because it's always so dark, and the sun looks funny, and there are no Christmas lights up any longer to light my way. 
10. Blankets. 
    Have you ever known anyone to sleep with only a sheet? This is unacceptable. I need blankets. Preferably three on my bed, and one to snuggle with...and wrap around my neck like I'm trying to strangle myself in my sleep like my mother says. I want blankets on the couch, in the car for football games, everywhere! 

What are your favorite things about fall?
Also, follow me on Instagram for more fun pics! @piperellice