I’ve been seeing cute fall bucket list ideas on Pinterest, so for this post, I thought it would be fun to share what I’m reading, listening to, eating, buying, and loving. 

Some of these favorites directly relate to my job as a Social Media Manager, but some I’m just sharing because I’m a fall enthusiast. 🙂

Reading:

I’ve been reading through the Throne of Glass series over the past few months (I’m on Empire of Storms right now!). I actually read the A Court of Thorns and Roses series first (and still like it better), but the world-building in these books is so good. Plus, it’s been really cool to compare Sarah J. Maas’ writing between the two series. I love fantasy any time of year, but I feel like it’s perfect for spooky season! 

I also read Can’t Help Falling by Courtney Walsh recently (pictured above), and it was SO CUTE. Think Hallmark minus the bad writing (though, let’s be honest, despite the corny characters and predictable plot, I will watch Hallmark movies until the day I die). 

I really enjoy Walsh’s other books, so I was excited for this one to come out. It actually might just be my favorite book she’s written. The dialogue is great, and I love the banter between the two main characters (also, Owen is 100% swoon-worthy). If you could somehow take the essence of fall and stuff it into a book, Can’t Help Falling would be it. All that’s missing is a bowl of soup and a warm blanket to snuggle under!

Listening to:

I found this fall/Gilmore Girl-inspired playlist on YouTube and usually have it on in the background while I work. If you’re a GG fan (or even just an autumn fan), you’ll like it. 

I also kinda-sorta recently discovered the band, Lord Huron. I had heard a few of their songs before (hence the “kinda-sorta” discovered) and I’m behind the times (as always), but they’ve been a favorite of mine recently. Their album Strange Trails puts me in a fall mood!

Eating:

Before I give you a dinner recipe you can save for a brisk fall night, let me tell you about a pumpkin cream cold brew I’ve been making! Dare I say, it’s just as good (or better) than Starbucks, without all the added sugar. 

Pumpkin Cold Brew Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups 2% milk 

• 3 tablespoons pumpkin purée

• 1 – 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon 

• Pinch of fine salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

•   Place all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat.
•   Heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spices are no longer clumpy.
•   Remove from heat and pour into a jar and chill until ready to use.

To froth (cold): pour 2-4 oz into small bowl and froth using a frothing wand. 

To enjoy hot: froth heated “cold cream” using a frother 

Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe

I found a recipe for Buffalo Chicken Chili; it was delicious and so easy to make (crockpot meal for the win)! I didn’t put quite as much buffalo sauce in it as it called for, and it still had a kick.

This soup is so good with bread! We bought a wheat mill a few weeks ago and have been making our own flour for bread. As a side note, our friend Alinda at The Ways of Her Home has one, and she inspired us to get one, too. Read her post about it here!

Be sure to read my blog: 30 Content Ideas for When You Don’t Know What to Post on Instagram!

Buying:

I recently bought some new clothes to wear for my family’s trip to New England. (Hi, I’m Madelyn, and my toxic trait is wanting to buy something new every time I travel.)

One of my favorite pieces I got is this striped sweater from Amazon! Honestly, I feel like I can wear it whether I’m in New England or just in Alabama (provided there isn’t a heatwave). It’s warm, but it’s not too heavy.

Another item I bought that I love is these black joggers. I got them during Banana Republic’s Labor Day sale (they were 70% off at the time—winner winner, chicken dinner). They’re so comfortable, and I really like how they fit. I can wear them with a nice shirt for client meetings or throw on a sweatshirt if I’m just working from home (and I’ve done both, believe me).

Loving:

Can my answer for what I’m loving just be “fall” and then I give you a bunch of reasons why, like because of pumpkin bread and cooler temps and cute clothes and the cozy ambiance? 

I’ll stop myself before I write a soliloquy to this season.  

In all seriousness, what I’ve been loving lately is learning and growing my business. I’m so thankful for my clients and the opportunities I have to work with them!

What are your fall favorites? I’d love to know!