.jpg "Fall and Pumpkins")
Happy First Day of Fall!
{I added the orange for dramatic graphic effect.}
As citizens of Colorado, it’s pretty much mandatory that we get excited about fall.
Any hesitation to jump on the “aren’t the leaves beautiful?” and “cooler weather is the best!” bandwagons certifies one as a renegade spy from the South who shivers when it dips below 75.
{guilty}
But fall, and even it’s snobby cousin, autumn, are actually pretty great.
The colors are breathtaking, the photography possibilities endless, and the food choices rock.
Back in colonial days, the only thing special about fall was the annual showing of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Now people create bucket lists of 55 activities to accomplish during one little season.
Not one to miss a bumpy bandwagon ride, here are the Top 5 Things About Fall In My Biased and Narrow Opinion.
5. Boots
Boots are like a spicy-hot bowl of 5-alarm chili–totally inappropriate during July. But come fall, even if the temperature reads 70, there is still something acceptable about your calves being swaddled in leather for the sake of fashion.
They add so much character to any outfit and can be dressy, casual, fun or furry.
That said, a boot is not the same as a “bootie.” Proceed with caution if you choose to go down that road.
**update**After researching booties–ahem–they weren’t actually as bad as I originally thought. Look out, I might be drinking the Kool-Aid after all.
4. Pumpkins
It is pretty much in the Constitution that you have to love pumpkins. Or at least it would be if the founding fathers weren’t so worried about freedom and instead focused on the dinner buffet at the First Continental Congress.
Pumpkins are the superheros of the vegetable world. What other round gourd is eaten in soups, breads, granolas, pancakes and lasagna? Even it’s seeds are snackable.
We carve them, dress them up, and beautify our front porches with their whimsical roundness.
Entire patches are dedicated to pumpkins, festivals named after them, and newborns lovingly cooed at as “my little punkin’.”
Celery lies awake at night wishing life was this good.
3. College Football
I know, that sounds a little cliche. And it is…as evidenced by the fact that tens of millions of people feel the same way.
It’s hard to decide what’s best–the cheering, the fight songs, the chips and queso at halftime? True, the BCS can take years off one’s life, but the controversial rankings just give us more to talk about.
A Saturday just isn’t complete without a little College Gameday and taunting your university’s rivals on the TV screen.
2. Pumpkin Spice Candle
Fully realizing this might better fit with the “pumpkin” category, I still thought the pumpkin spice candle needed a shout-out all it’s own.
I mean, have you smelled it? The idea sounds a little grandma-esque, but be not deterred. This candle will better your life.
And don’t be lured in by the pumpkin pie candle. They aren’t equals.
Just go buy one and you can thank me later.
p.s. It will only be grandma-y if you put a doily under it.
1. Layered Clothing/Starbucks
What do perfectly layered accessories and over-priced warm drinks have to do with each other?
Not tons, but there was a two-way tie for number one. True, Starbucks is a year-round kind of joint, but all of the summery iced drinks seem like a contrived ploy to keep us coming back in the blazing heat when we should be at Sonic.
Fall is the secret force driving their coffee business. All the great seasonal flavors like Salted Caramel Mocha and Caramel Apple Cider taste way better while wearing a scarf and boots {see #5.}
Did you catch what I left out? That’s right…the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Even though a pumpkin is typically as versatile as Deion Sanders, it still seems the PSL is a little artificial and strong. Plus, the orangeish hue is questionable.
If you were wearing a chunky sweater, however, the flavor of the Pumpkin Spice Latte might even be saved. Guaranteed that the Salted Caramel Mocha will create joy in the inmost places when sipped during a high-school football game.
Yes, layered fall clothing is that powerful.
This year, I’m especially excited about tunics, ponchos, and vests.
And can a guy go wrong with plaid? Just maybe.
So I’m off to wear my boots while eating pumpkin bread, watching college football, and smelling my pumpkin spice candle.
So what about you? What is your favorite part of fall? Any defenses of the Pumpkin Spice Latte are welcome…:)
