Top 10 reasons I love fall

Today the air feels crisp and is filled with the scent of fall. Yes, it smells like fall, lets take a deep breath everyone. Ahhhh....wonderful, isn't it? I was inspired to make my favorites list after reading this blog I found Sock Monkey and Gee - so cute! Gee had a list of top ten things she hearts and since I am loving fall right now, I will narrow down my favorites as well!
1. The leaves crackling under your feet...now that I live in the city its even better because I'm walking everywhere! I'm daydreaming about feeling the crunch crunch under my feet as I pad through the city on chilly fall mornings, take Riley for a run through Washington Square Park, trek to and from the grocery store with my goodies, and stroll back home with my fro yo :) Do you think they'll have a pumpkin flavor? Which brings me to number
2. Baking with Pumpkin is the best! In my birthday post I told you about the yummy pumpkin cake that I made for my slumber party guests and how obsessed I am with pumpkin cheesecake. I finally remembered the leftover cake from my birthday dinner and now have four beautiful pieces waiting for me in my fridge. I also discovered a bakery called Darlings Cafe, apparently they are known for their cheesecake and have three locations in the city. I've actually been to one last Valentine's Day, when I visited the Franklin Institute with a date. A science museum on Valentines Day, so romantic, isn't it? This might be why we aren't together anymore...Anyway, I'm getting off topic....I only wanted a cappuccino that day but the cheesecake looked delicious. I promised myself I would go back because they only have seven flavors and one of them is Perfect Pumpkin! Its funny that I felt this way over a year ago before I knew anything about this city and felt the same when I read about it the other day. 
3. Halloween Oreos

Do I really need to explain this one? I didn't think so...let's move on

4. Autumn Candles can make every room smell like fall, why limit yourself to enjoying it just when you're baking or carving pumpkins? As soon as September hits, my sisters and I whip out our holiday candles. First starting with the autumn scents; pumpkin pie, apple pie, apple cider, autumn leaves,...you get the idea. So my favorite candle this fall is called Autumn Harvest by Woodwick. These candles actually flicker when they are burning and it smells delicious! I already burned through my first one and bought a new one this week. unfortunately the picture doesn't translate the smell.

5. Dressing up for Halloween isn't something I've always loved. But as I have gotten older, it has become more fun. I know its weird, but so am I. Last year I had a great time with my little sis and her friend Z. The plan was to buy costumes with some kind of theme and then party it up in NYC. Well, little sis and I didn't follow through with the super hero idea and Z was disappointed, but we figured out a way to make it work...

Wait until you see what we picked out this year! We chose a theme, are stickin' to it, finding a killer party in Philly, and having a blast! Stay tuned!
6. Digging my fall clothes out of hiding is always a welcomed project. Who doesn't love an excuse to change out their wardrobe? I know I do! (My mom and sisters are rolling their eyes right now) This year I am close to broke because of my move and really have to watch what I buy. After weeding through my closet, I made a list of the essential pieces for this fall and got to shopping. And I didn't just go to Anthropologie, not sure if you've noticed but they aren't very budget friendly. Here are some of my purchases:

I don't think I've ever shopped with the purpose of creating outfits, I guess that's what you do when you're on a strict budget. But I'm going to try to always do this! Its worked out well, got a new sweater, dress for work, pair of jeans, two tops, leggings, and some fresh tanks. I might need a pair of black boots, but will wait a few more weeks. (Note to my doubting Mother and sisters - I really do need them! My old black boots were worn for THREE seasons and I wore them so much that the heels broke!).
7. Football Games in the fall and on Thanksgiving are a must where I grew up. My old high school and the town right across the river (where I moved from) are very old rivals. They do not play each other in football during a normal season anymore so the Turkey Day game is attended by thousands. Its a homecoming for families in our area. Waking up by 7am so you look your best (um you're going to see everyone you know from high school, you want them to know how fabulous you are now), tailgating by 9am, and bundling up in mittens, sweatshirts, winter coats, and blankets, are all in preparation for the big game. Following the game, fans head home to change and enjoy some turkey with their families. Our family has always eaten well after noon, to accommodate all the football goers. My Dad goes to this game every year. We often joke about him leaving at 7:30am in order to get a good parking spot for the game (not because he's tailgating or trying to impress anyone), but its really his excitement to watch the big game - its his old high school too. Last year I invited my sisters and my little sis's best friend Laura over to my house before the game. We dressed in our finest garnet and gray attire and celebrated. I don't think any of us were really toasting to a hometown win but rather a fun day of family, friends, football, and the best meal of the year! Since I lived only one block from the stadium, we were surrounded by tons of rowdy fans, all part of the celebration.There is something so wonderful about feeling connected to strangers through a tradition that our two towns share.

We passed on the keg in the rain and enjoyed some bubbly in the warmth of my home

Mom waiting for the rest of the clan to arrive

8. Hot Toddies are usually the first sign of fall for me. As Starbucks says, its the "happy return" of pumpkin spice! The first time I read that I thought, it sure is....do other people love it as much as I do?? As soon as coffee houses start churning out pumpkin flavored drinks, its officially the beginning of the holiday season. So enjoying a pumpkin spice latte now means that peppermint mocha lattes (and holiday cups) aren't too far behind!  

9. Pumpkin picking is an old favorite. My Mom has her pumpkins on display at the beginning of September but most of us wait until the first cool days to head to the pumpkin patch. Since I now live in the city, I assumed this would be a tradition I would have to skip this year, but no! we found Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards! This is a beautiful orchard where you can pick your own everything (peaches, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, apples, tomatoes, peppers, pears, sweet corn,.....)! It is just outside the city and less than ten minutes from my office. I have a date with little sis to head here when the fam comes for Dad's birthday next weekend. I can't wait to plop a huge pumpkin right on top of my planter.

After writing this I'm feeling surrounded by fall but am missing a number ten! There are many other favorites I can add, fall colors, trick or treaters, hayrides, haunted houses, but they don't seem like the right additions. I'm wondering what are the best things about fall in the city? I'll keep my eyes open so once I figure that out I can add  my final favorite. What are some your favorite things about fall?