Joanna Stich

As much as I hate to admit it, autumn or fall is just around the corner. It’s inevitable. You might have heard me mention already that I am simply not ready to let go of summer yet, but I guess at this stage I have no choice. I am also hesitant to admit that I actually do love fall and everything that comes with it (except for the rain – this applies to both Ireland and Vancouver). Fall brings shorter days, colorful trees and comfy over the knee boots and fedora hats. I am finally giving in and below you can find some of my fall favorites & top autumn traditions.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

This is definitely one of the most fun experiences, not only for stunning blog photos but great family fun day out. You will find number of options around Vancouver. So far, I have only visited one called Laity South Pumpkin Patch in Maple Ridge – You can read all about my experience here. We got very lucky and got a dry, sunny day – so sunny, that in fact we were all sweating in our hats!

Pumpkin Carving

Following your successful visit to the pumpkin patch it’s time to carve them out. Make sure you plan ahead what you are going to do with “the insides”. It’s important to teach your children about sustainability and waste management. The insides of the pumpkin can be used for a soup, pie, or a snack. Once dried, you can eat the pumpkin seeds or simply plant them and grow your own. Growing your own is not only sustainable, it will save you money in the long run and you will have a peace of mind that it’s chemical free and organic.

If you have a number of pumpkins at home, why not make a fun evening of it and have a little family competition for the best crafter. [If performing this activity with children, ensure sufficient supervision where knives are involved]

Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks

You didn’t really think I was going to leave this out, did you? It’s like the right of passage from one season to the next. Spring to summer are iced coffees and summer to autumn are pumpkin spiced lattes. To celebrate autumn, I had my first pumpkin spice latte this season at the first ever opened Starbucks in the world in Seattle last weekend. For more on Seattle, you can look through my Travel Guide here.

Scary Movies Under the Blanket

Not only does fall remind me of being cozy, it’s also one of my favorite seasons because of Halloween. I am going to admit, I have never been a fan of Halloween as a holiday but since I can remember I have loved watching horror films. You name it, I have most likely seen it. Autumn gives you the opportunity to relax and not feel bad about staying at home (because the weather is awful). You might as well take this opportunity and catch up on the latest horror films. I think the next one I will watch is The Invisible Man on Netflix or the next Halloween Movie – although the recent ones aren’t as good as the very first few.

Curling up on the couch with hot coco, under a plush blanket wearing fluffy socks brings me a lot of comfort. I have linked my two favorites below for your consideration.

Burning Wax Melts

Wax melts have a way of creating great atmosphere regardless of the season. I really enjoy changing the melts with each season! I purchased my wax burner from Yankee Candles few years back and that’s where I usually get my melts too. They can be on the pricier side, although I find the dupes don’t carry the scent for the same length of time. My fall favorites are spiced pumpkin (of course), sugared cinnamon apple and ciderhouse. Unfortunately my exact Wax Warmer is no longer being sold. I have linked an alternative, affordable option below.

Family Walks Collecting Rowanberries & Chestnuts

This surely must be “a Polish thing” because I kid you not, I have not seen a single rowanberry in Ireland and whenever I mention it to my husband or my Irish friends they have no idea what I’m referring to. In addition, I didn’t even know what rowanberry was called in English until I started putting this blog post together; bare in mind I have lived in an English speaking country for the past 18 years.

When the leaves turned yellow and the rain stopped, we used to put on our raincoats and rainboots and headed out for a “nature walk”. We would walk around our local park and try to spot rowanberries and chestnuts. We collected chestnuts for our “Nature Corner” in our bedroom and rowanberries were great once dried out for making chaplets. (Talk about being sustainable from a young age). It was a lot of fun, but you also had to be super careful as chestnuts were falling off the trees, they used to fall still in their ‘outer shell’ that was full of sharp spikes.

It was such a wonderful way of family bonding and exploring the world and being with nature. Definitely the simpler days and I was living for it.

“Blogger” Walks in the Forest

It goes without saying that the “signature” blogger fall photographs are knee high boots, chunky knits, large scarves and fedora hats. And I am here for it! I know, total cliché – but I just love it, I can’t help it. I think that fall is also the perfect season to get unique family portraits – that’s if you ever considered getting professional photographs done. There’s just something about the fall colors on the trees!

All Kinds of Chunky Knits

Enough said? I think so. There’s no better feeling than an oversized chunky knit hugging your body. The nude and mustard color palette makes a comeback in the autumn and our social media feeds are transformed. Below you will find a link to my most recent purchase knit from Target ( * screaming * )

Bonfires + S’mores

Bonfires always remind me of Ireland in the fall. There used to be a bonfire in every area of our town just before Halloween. I used to think “all the bad kids” went to it, only to realize it was part of the October tradition. If you followed my travels over the summer, you will know how much I enjoy sitting by the fire. The crackling of the wood and the smell of burnt marshmallows, this screams not only camp nights but also thankfulness. Truly, it’s the simple things in life that make my heart full.

Thanksgiving

This year will be my fourth year to celebrate Thanksgiving . Ireland (or Europe in general) does not celebrate Thanksgiving and they don’t know what they’re missing. One day, when we decide to move back to Ireland, I will be carrying this tradition with me. Why? Because Thanksgiving (next to Christmas) brings the family together and truly portrays how much we have to be grateful & thankful for. It’s a day for self reflection and letting time stop for a moment and make memories with your loved ones. If anything, another reason to get family and friends together and drink wine and eat delicious food.

In addition to above, Thanksgiving gives you an excuse to eat Turkey on everything for the longest time. Turkey slices, Turkey sandwiches, Turkey in your salad. What’s there not to like?

Lastly, I had to mention this worthy cause taking place each year in November spreading awareness for the men in our lives:

Movember

Movember is an event taking place annually from 1st – 30th of November when men grow their moustaches & beards. The movement raises awareness for men’s health, such as cancer and suicide. The money raised from movember goes towards support for men, creates services that will provide information and help as well as allows the charity to be the advocate for men in the community. If you have a partner, brother, father or a close friend who wishes to take part in this wonderful cause direct them to Movember website.

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