It’s October. Fall is in the air. The temperatures are dropping, the leaves are changing, and Pumpkin Spice flavored everything has hit the shelves. But wait—scratch that one about the leaves changing—Phoenix doesn’t do fall foliage. And, now that I think about it, high 80’s and low 90’s are nice, but they certainly aren’t fall temperatures in my book.
It’s really hard to catch a fall vibe around here, especially if you have had the pleasure of living somewhere with real seasons. So, what’s a Phoenix girl who loves fall to do?
Here are a few simple ideas to help give you the fall feels even when Phoenix tries to remind you that you’re living on the surface of the sun.
- Fall Scents
Nothing helps me embrace fall more than smelling autumn scents. My go-to for fall scents are typically candles, but in this heat, sometimes even being around a tiny flame makes me sweat. So now I opt for reed or plug-in oil diffusers, wax melt warmers, and even scented hand soaps, hand sanitizers, lotions, and bath bombs.
- DIY (or just buy)
Pinterest is loaded with fall crafting ideas that will make your home feel warm (but not too warm) and festive. A simple wreath is an easy way to get started, or take it to the next level and make your own scarecrow. If crafting isn’t your thing, there are tons of adorable decorations out there for purchase. I love scouring the aisles of Home Goods and Hobby Lobby for adorable autumn decorations. If you’re really feeling feisty, get a bunch of fall foliage garlands and drape them on all the saguaros in your neighborhood. Be sure to bask in the gloriousness of the faux fall you created next time you walk to the mailbox.
- Pumpkin Spice (obviously)
Many people mark the arrival of their favorite season with a celebration at Starbucks. What says fall more than a Pumpkin Spice Latte (or Pumpkin Spice anything for that matter)? The problem is that when the temps are anywhere above 90 degrees, I just cannot bring myself to drink a hot coffee, but I also don’t truly get the fall feels drinking an iced PSL. It may seem cheesy, but this year I’m going to order my iced PSL per usual but request that it be served in a hot beverage cup. Fake it till you make it, ladies!
- Make Your Own Festive Treat
If you’re like me and try to keep your oven off as much as possible, you can really miss all those warm and fuzzy fall feelings that come with baking delicious treats. Switch things up a bit by using fall flavors but cooling them down a bit. For an autumn twist to a root beer float, try an apple cider float. It’s so easy and you’ll love it as much as the kids do! Just make sure it’s pasteurized. For adults only, try mixing your cider with caramel vodka. It’s delicious served hot or cold!
- Switch Up Your Look
Fall weather usually means it’s time to bust out those sweaters, jeans, scarves, and boots, but here in Phoenix we have to be a bit more strategic about our fall attire in order to reduce excessive and embarrassing perspiration. So, for us Phoenix gals, instead of pulling on those knee-high boots, opt for a cute pair of mules. Instead of a sweater, try a graphic tee with a charming fall adage. You can even dye your hair a more fall-inspired hue, and don’t underestimate the power of a festive mani-pedi.
- Football
I was never into football much until I met my husband, but now college football season is a clear indicator that fall has arrived. The men in my family can watch football all. day. long. Even if it’s a team they don’t care about AT ALL. I kind of get it with the whole Fantasy Football phenomenon, but, personally, I can only take so much. So keep it festive and not obsessive: pick a meaningful game and host a football party. If all goes well, the kids will actually entertain each other, and you might get to watch a few plays. See steps 1-5 to make your football bash extra.
Happy fall!
