2017 Fall Bucket List

Fall is here, and it’s my most favorite time of year! The air feels a little crisper, we’re offered a little relief after a hot summer, and it’s finally acceptable to wear sweaters and boots again.

With the change in seasons, it feels like the natural time to create an autumnal to-do list of sorts, full of seasonal favorites and fun, new things to try. Here are just a few of the things I’m looking forward to this year.

(1) Return to Alstede Farms

A couple of years ago, my family and I made our way to Alstede Farms in Chester, NJ after a recommendation from some friends in the area. Unfortunately, my son was a little under the weather, which kept us from enjoying very much of it. But even for how sick he was, we could see that it was a great place. They have a bounce house and pony rides for the kids, plus a hay ride, a huge pick-your-own area with seasonal produce, and a great little general store. Hello, freshly made apple cider donuts!

(2) Make a Halloween Costume

When my son was two, I made him Max from Where the Wild Things Are. It was as simple as a white hoodie and a crown that I glued fur to. When he was three, I somehow pulled together a homemade Gekko (PJ Masks) costume for him using a green unitard and some felt. Last year, time got away from me, and I opted for a store-bought costume of Catboy (also from PJ Masks). Miles looked great, and I know there are many impressive store-bought costumes out there, but I really missed the sense of accomplishment that came with making something from scratch. Fingers crossed he doesn’t pick anything too crazy!

(3) Bake a Pecan Something-or-Another

Another autumn tradition for me, every year I try to make something pecan-y for my husband. It started out as me just trying to find the best (read: easiest) pecan pie recipe, but after a couple of years, I got bored and decided to branch out. Last year, I made these AMAZING bars (recipe courtesy of Rock Recipes), and this year, I’d like to try a version of these cookies. I was never a huge Pecan Pie fan, but these have turned out to be a great alternative for me… as well as another excuse to spend countless hours scrolling on Pinterest.

(4) Carve a Pumpkin

Fall isn’t really a thing when you grow up in Miami like I did. Other than back to school shopping and Halloween, there isn’t much that reflects the changing seasons… which is likely why I had never carved a pumpkin until just a few years ago. The fact of the matter is I’m not very good at it, but I blame the lack of practice. My son has never done it, and I think it’s high time. I wouldn’t want him to inherit my lack of carving skills!

It may still technically be summer, but Fall is in the air and I’m so excited. If anyone’s looking for me this weekend, I’ll be folding my sweaters and checking the temperature. What’s YOUR favorite thing about this time of year?