Fall Simple Pleasures

Looking for ways to slow down and really enjoy Fall? These Fall simple pleasures are the best ways to savor the season.

There is something about Fall that really makes me want to slow down and be present. Unfortunately, there is also something about Fall that makes life go approximately one million miles per hour. The kids are back in full swing at school, which means after school activities are also taking over your life. You probably also have a Fall bucket list you’re trying to accomplish so you can feel like a good mom. You’re also seeing the holidays on the horizon, and that causes stress whether you’re actively thinking about them or not. Fall is a lot.

The good news is that Fall is packed full of simple pleasures that can provide a temporary respite from the madness and give you the taste of Fall you’re craving. If you’re feeling overwhelmed this Fall either with kid activities or work or preparation for the holidays, focus on Fall simple pleasures. These are small things that you can easily fit into your day that give you just a moment or two to slow down and savor the season.

Think of these Fall simple pleasures as a bucket list without the pressure of a bucket list. Don’t feel like you have to check them off as you enjoy them. Just keep this list handy when you have a moment and you want a little taste of Fall. We can all have more Fall simple pleasures in our lives this season!

Hot beverage

The top spot on my list of Fall simple pleasures has got to go to a hot beverage. A hot beverage in the Fall is the perfect time out. Even if you’re surrounded by chaos, having an emotional support hot beverage lets you have a little escape with every sip.

Of course, you don’t have to restrict your hot beverage consumption to the Fall. I always associate hot beverages as Fall simple pleasures because my favorite hot beverages are full of autumnal flavors. I love a hot cup of coffee, sure, but I also reach for hot apple cider or hot tea a lot in the Fall.

My pick

My absolute favorite hot beverage this time of year is Twinings Winter Spice. It’s amazing in the Fall, despite its wintery name. I love this stuff so much, I usually buy it in bulk whenever I see it hit the shelves at my local grocery store. If you happen to see it, stock up!

Apple pie

Apple pie is delicious all year round, but it just hits different in the Fall when the apples are at their peak. The comforting spices in a slice of warm apple pie are almost as good as a hug on a tough day. Don’t let the season pass by without enjoying this Fall simple pleasure!

My pick

If you’re in the market for a good apple pie recipe, you can’t go wrong with an apple crumb pie. That crumb topping gives the pie that extra boost of yum that really makes all the calories worth it.

Soup

I love soup. As soon as the weather even hints at cooling down, I put a pot of soup on the stove. Soup is one of my Fall simple pleasures that lasts longer than a moment or two. I get pleasure out of making the soup, smelling the soup as it cooks on the stove, and, of course, eating the soup. Don’t forget the crusty bread to go along with it!

My pick

If you need some soup inspiration, I’ve tried what seems like all the soup recipes. So many of them are worth making, but some recent crowd pleasers have been creamy chicken noodle soup, chipotle tomato soup, and loaded baked potato soup. Never underestimate the healing power of a bowl of soup!

Book

Now that we’ve got the food-related Fall simple pleasures out of the way, the next Fall simple pleasure on my list is a good book. I love to read in the Fall. It’s my favorite time of the year for reading. The sun is setting earlier, and there is nothing better than to turn on a lamp, pick up a book, and get lost in it for a bit. Reading is a great way to unwind from a hectic day, recharge your brain for round two, or just escape reality for a few minutes. Whatever you need, a book can be there to give it to you. Let it this Fall!

My pick

You know I can’t tell you to pick up a book for a moment of pleasure and not give you a recommendation. A few books I have read and really enjoyed recently are:

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins – A story of a mother fleeing her worst nightmare for the promise of a better life.

Happy Place by Emily Henry – A romance, sure, but also a story of found family that’s deeper than it seems on the surface.

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave – Family drama meets thriller in this novel about what lengths we go to for our children.

Quilt

What’s more comforting than a quilt? Not a whole lot. When it’s starting to get chilly outside, grab a quilt that you’ve washed approximately 100 times and curl up with it while you’re reading or watching TV. The warmth and security of the cocoon you’ll make is the definition of a Fall simple pleasure.

Football

I know not everyone likes football. If you’re not a sporty gal, you can skip this one. If you’re a football fan, though, you know that watching football can be one of life’s true Fall simple pleasures. Why? It’s fun to watch football! Whether you go to watch a game in person or tune in on TV, let yourself become immersed in the game. Don’t forget your game day snacks!

Fire

Man is drawn to fire. We are enamored by it. It can feel so scary and out of control in some circumstances, but so comforting and grounding in other circumstances. The positive side of the duality of fire is never stronger than in the Fall. A fire in the Fall sets the coziest atmosphere, especially an outdoor fire. Whether you bust out the marshmallows to make s’mores, sing songs, or just stare into it for an hour, spending some time by a fire deserves a spot on your list of Fall simple pleasures.

My pick

If you are one of the 13 households left in the U.S.A. that doesn’t have some sort of outdoor firepit, I recommend the Solo Stove brand. Solo Stoves are smokeless, so you get all the benefits of a fire without the burning eyes that typically come along for the ride. They have lots of different sizes and colors available, so you’re sure to find one that will work for you!

Leaves

I’ve mentioned before that I grew up in Florida. That meant Fall wasn’t really a thing I knew about until I moved to D.C. when I was 22 years old. I never got to experience the joy of leaves as a child, but that doesn’t mean I can’t experience the joy of leaves as an adult. I love to crunch them underfoot on a Fall walk, enjoy their warm, vibrant hues, and pile them up and play. Playing in the leaves should be on your list of Fall simple pleasures no matter your age!

Fuzzy socks

Fall is the season of fuzzy socks. It’s too cold to go barefoot, but it’s not cold enough for full-on slippers yet. But fuzzy socks hit the spot in the Fall. They make your tootsies so warm and cozy without making them feel like they’re in a men’s locker room.

My pick

If you want to enjoy this Fall simple pleasure, the offerings for fuzzy socks are plentiful. You can find tall fuzzy socks, short fuzzy socks, fuzzy socks with non-stick nubbins. Basically, whatever you want in a pair of fuzzy socks you can have. If you like a short fuzzy sock, go ahead and treat yourself to a pair of Barefoot Dreams short fuzzy socks. You’re worth it.

Sweater

If your feet are nice and cozy in your fuzzy socks, your body probably needs a little bit of a hug too. On chilly Fall days, enjoy one of the easiest Fall simple pleasures by wearing a sweater. Yes, a sweater can be a Fall simple pleasure as well as a utilitarian piece of clothing. Who doesn’t love a good sweater in the Fall? I know I do. Cardigan, crew neck, v-neck, cable knit, whatever floats your boat and makes you feel cozy and beautiful is the right sweater for you.

My pick

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with cardigan sweaters. I like the chunkier, slightly boxy cardigans that can be worn open or closed and look great either way. I’ve got my eye on this slightly open weave version in the navy. Convince me either to buy or not to buy please so I stop waffling!

Fall Simple Pleasures