the ultimate autumn bucket list
to make every day feel magical
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower” - Albert Camus
Autumn is by far my favorite season. Whether that be due to the abundance of warm pumpkin spice lattes, the feeling of my platform converse crunching on the crispy leaves with every step I take, or the cool breeze that sends a shiver of delight down my spine, there is something in the air that provides me with a sense of pleasure.
Nevertheless, however magical autumn may feel, sometimes it can be hard to see that light at the end of the tunnel. We are all so consumed with our day-to-day lives, busy working, working, and working, that we don’t have time to stop and enjoy the little things.
But we cannot neglect the importance of taking things slow. It is so easy to fall victim to the trap that everything you do must be productive, or for some type of profit. I am a firm believer that romanticizing every little thing can bring joy and pleasure into your life. So, let’s get through this season together and romanticize life by embracing fall!
This will be part 1 of a series where I help you romanticize fall by sparking ideas that will help you enjoy the little moments of your life.
Without further ado, here are some items on my autumn bucket list that I want to do to enjoy every moment of this wonderful season before it ends.
1. baking
Nothing gives fall vibes more than conjuring up a sweet treat representing the epitome of this season. I have very fond memories of spending time measuring ingredients, spilling flour on the counter, and frantically trying to get the cookies out of the oven before they burn to a crisp, all while listening to calming autumn music and laughing with my friends.
There are so many cute treats you can bake that are perfect for the fall season! I especially recommend baking items with scents associated with autumn, including but not limited to pumpkin spice, cinnamon, apple, chai, vanilla, caramel, maple, and brown sugar. Here are some ideas of things you can bake!
If you were around on pinterest in 2022 for the “downtown girl” epidemic, you have likely seen these cookies everywhere. I’ve made them before with my friend, and I highly recommend everyone to try them! They have the perfect amount of jam and cookie, providing a blend of textures that are sure to keep you wanting more. Even though these cookies are immensely popular all over the internet, they live up to the hype. And plus, who doesn’t love cute little cookies with hearts in the middle! 🫶
These are also cookies that I have seen blow up on the internet. I know that October has passed by, taking its pumpkins, spiderwebs, and spookiness with it. However, that will not stop me from baking these cookies — October only ends when I say it does.
You do not want to know how long I’ve been wanting to bake cinnamon rolls for. I’ve always seen all the fall girlies baking these, which has motivated me to try. While I haven’t made cinnamon rolls yet, I will be sure to in the future! These treats have the perfect amount of dough and sugar, and the flavors just melt in your mouth. I especially love the cinnamon smell as well, which provides a lovely aroma to the air.
Alas, I have so many fall treat ideas, that I will not be able to put them all into this article! Unless you want this article to be 5 hours long LOL. (if you guys are interested, I can make a separate letter with a comprehensive list of autumn treats to bake!)
Anyways, I think this last item I picked represents fall quite well. After all, what fruit comes to mind when thinking about autumn if not apples! Apple picking, apple pie, caramel apples, what’s not to love! Anyways, apple pie is a lovely treat that you can bake and share with family and friends, providing a sense of familiarity and comfort. It feels like sitting together with your family on thanksgiving, sharing a comforting, home-cooked meal as you reflect upon what you are grateful for, hoping that this moment will never end.
Anyways, no matter what you bake, just the act of spending time with loved ones and tasting the batter while in the process of putting the brownies in the oven (I’ll admit it, I will eat half of the batter before the baking item is even made) is enough to spark joy.
2. carving jack-o-lanterns
I knowww what you guys are thinking. It’s literally November, so why am I talking about jack-o-lanterns? Carving pumpkins and going to a pumpkin patch are generally considered September and October activities, due to the strong association of pumpkins with Halloween.
Quite frankly, I do not care. Even though it is past the season to be making pumpkin pie, that will not stop me from carving out a pumpkin to create a jack-o-lantern.
I am very sorry to admit that I was not able to make jack o lanterns this October. While I went to a pumpkin patch and spent hours examining each and every pumpkin for bumps, scratches, and holes, I have not yet crafted that blank slate of a pumpkin into a spooky figure. Thus, you will probably see me making a jack-o-lantern now, in the middle of November (yes i know what you all are thinking, that’s so scandalous!) However, don’t call me out for having a good time.
Carving a pumpkin is such a fun hobby, as it something you can do in your free time, solely for pleasure and pleasure alone. This is not a competition, meaning you don’t need to place all this stress and pressure on yourself to create the most beautiful, jaw-dropping, earth-shattering masterpiece that anyone has ever seen. Instead, all you need to do is try your best, creating something that will make you happy.
3. jump into a pile of leaves
This is arguably one of the most fall activities you can do. Sure, you can bake all year-round, but jumping into a pile of leaves is something that is reserved for fall. Nothing feels happier than spending hours of your time raking the lawn, only to reap the best benefit at the end — jumping into the pile you just made!
This feels like stepping on an extremely crunchy leaf, but 1000x better (that is, because you are jumping into thousands of leaves!) Just be careful, and make sure you don’t trespass onto random people’s lawns LOL — I take no responsibility if you do.
4. go to a bookstore
I never thought I’d be saying this, but Barnes & Nobles represents 2000s fall so much. Something about its decor and aesthetic reminds me of 2011 fall. I feel like I could walk into a bookstore and instantly be transported into the world of Pretty Little Liars.
Plus, reading is such a fun hobby to pass the time! Whenever I crack open a new book, I feel like I’m entering a new world, one where I can get rid of all of my worries and fears. Reading is also known you improve your vocabulary, as you are constantly learning new words every time you read something unfamiliar. Your vocabulary can be enhanced through using context clues to figure out the meaning of a word in a sentence, or searching up the meaning of words you don’t know.
Reading can also teach you important lessons. Self-help books can inspire you to take charge of your life and become the best version of yourself. However, even fictional books can help you, by having characters learn life lessons and grow from their mistakes, inspiring you to do the same as well.
Plus, nothing feels better than cozying up in a fuzzy, heated blanket with a cup of coffee in hand, reading a good book.
5. light a candle
Guys I have this pumpkin scented candle and it genuinely smells soooooo good!
Candles are the perfect addition to your bedroom that can instantly spice up any dull moment. You can light a candle in the background while you are doing anything, making candles super versatile.
Moreover, candles help you enjoy moments, even when you are actively working. If you have a major test to study for, light a cinnamon scented candle, and you will instantly feel like Rory Gilmore or the main character in a 2000s movie.
Candles can bring a welcoming and comforting presence to your space. Even though it is a small things, candles can make all the difference in enjoying autumn!
conclusion
Autumn is such a magical time of the year! I hope you enjoyed the ideas I provided of how you can bring a sense of enjoyment into your life, and be sure to implement these into your routine and self-care days.
I will post more parts in the future that provide more ideas of activities you can do during the autumn season. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this!
I forgot about the joys of lighting a candle. I should do that now.
Posts like this always make me feel so comfortable.