Before I get to my list, I have a confession to make. I actually have a love/dread relationship with September.
I know…seems crazy doesn’t it? You see, two of my three kids are away at college. For the past 5 years, September has been a little harder. Our entire family has been together all summer long. We have had family dinner just about every evening. Big Sunday morning breakfasts together. Game nights, outdoor movies and concerts together. I don’t know about you, but I find comfort with everyone under one roof.
If you have been in this same position, perhaps you know exactly what I am talking about. Don’t get me wrong, I am so proud of them for being independent and for pursuing their dreams. I love hearing stories about college life. (at least the ones they are willing to share..wink) There is just a little part of me that misses them and wishes they were younger again.
That brings me to my September LOVES list. This simple reflection has certainly helped lift my spirits. Each Labor Day weekend, I create a list that combines my September loves with a few to-do items that keep me busy. Not only am I excited to share them with you, but I’d love to add your favorites as well. Please a share in the comments!
September LOVES
- Fall Floral. Each September I plant mums and pansies. I actually have no choice because my summer flowers usually don’t make it until September! Why is it so hard to keep up with watering all summer long? I am GREAT about keeping them hydrated until the end of July. I’m not sure what happens to me after that. I forget one day…then two….then six and those poor flowers are barely hanging on. Last weekend my landscaping received a facelift with fall flowers. I decided on the blush rose colored mums in the picture above.
- Apple Cider and Spiced Chai. Ok, I’m not quite ready for pumpkin lattes or peppermints mochas just yet. As much as I love them, I need to ease into the season with warm apple cider and spiced chai.
- Outdoor Fires. Keep warm and toasty on cool fall evenings with an outdoor fire. We had a fireplace built in our backyard about 6 years ago. My two daughters tried to convince us we needed a pool instead. My son, husband and I overruled them (smile). We live in the midwest and decided we would get more use from the fireplace. BEST.IDEA.EVER.
- Fall Cleaning Schedule. This may seem like an odd “love”, I know. There is just something about the change of season that inspires me to deep clean the house. I usually spend one evening creating a list of everything that needs to be done before I put up Halloween decorations. This includes changing the furnace filters. Have you ever put drops of essential oil on the filters when you change them? Wow. I put about about 8-10 drops of cinnamon on them and within minutes my entire house smelled amazing.
- Sweater Weather and other Fall Fashions. Every April I can’t wait to put AWAY the sweaters, yet when September arrives I find myself craving a comfy oversized piece of cashmere! I just purchased the V-neck sweater and amazing pair of velvet sneakers in the photo above. Aren’t they great? Hmmm…the rose blush mums, now the rose blush sneakers…this must be my color of the season. The laces are a romantic satin ribbon. I can’t wait to wear them before my 15 year old “borrows” them to wear to school. Yes, I am speaking from experience.
- Fashion Week. I can’t mention fall fashion without talking about New York Fashion Week. Have you been viewing any of the collections? Which ones are you loving right now? I was mesmerized by the Rachel Zoe Spring 2019 Collection.
- Prepare for Winter Skin. With cooler weather approaching and a drop in humidity, our skin needs change. Soon you will need to swap out your lightweight, oil-free moisturizer for one with more oomph. Its time to look at purchasing a heavier face cream. Look for one that is also packed with moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid. While your shopping, add a hydrating mask to your list. You will want start incorporating one into your weekly skin care regimen. I am all about facial sheet masks, so you can bet I will be stocking up!
- Crisp Air and Opened Windows. It is always a good idea to open your windows for at least five minutes a day to improve circulation and decrease air pollutants inside your home. Unfortunately, when it is 90 degrees and humid that is just not happening. September changes all that. Yesterday was the first time I had opened my windows in several weeks. The temperature dropped in the late afternoon and a breeze picked up. As soon as I got home from work, I cracked open several windows. The fresh air inside the house felt great! I look forward to fall days when the windows are open and the faint smell of fall fills my home.
- Slow Cooker Meals (and Chili!). I rarely use my slow cooker in the summer, which makes that first bowl of chili something we all look forward to. I have several slow cooker recipes that are fall and winter favorites. How about you? Find an evening to pull out recipes and make a shopping list so you are ready when everyone is in the mood for a warm bowl of comfort food on a cool fall night.
- And, of course….Hockey Season is almost here! I live in a hockey loving family. My son played for many years when he was young and my husband played pick-up games while in college and as an adult. September means that the Chicago Blackhawks will be on the ice very soon. Pre-season starts September 18th. Can’t wait!
I hope you have enjoyed my quick list of September Favorites as much as I have enjoyed sharing them.
Best,
Donna
