Since we've all been back in school for a few weeks now, it feels like summer has been over and fall has arrived. But, now that September 22nd has passed, summer is officially over and fall is here!! Sometimes I believe fall gets a bad rep because people are sad the weather is cooler and may be missing the freedom and fun of summer. I, on the other hand, happen to love just about everything about fall. There are so many awesome things to do that just aren't the same (or aren't even possible) at any other time of the year.

For starters, it's beautiful. As pretty as seeing green everywhere you go is, there is nothing quite like seeing so many colors. Definitely take advantage of any chances you get to be outside so you can appreciate all this beauty. Whether that means you go for a hike or walk in the woods, walk around the block, or sit outside with a book - or all three! - it's an awesome time to get some fresh air. The hot, sticky, humidity of summer is gone and the bitter cold of winter hasn't set in yet so the temperature is right in the middle and is just perfect. So, no excuses for not spending at least a little time outside!

If hiking, walking, or reading outside doesn't appeal to you, or it does but you like other things too, have no fear because there are lots of other fall activities to do. A personal favorite is apple picking. Especially in the Northeast, there are so many apple orchards all over the place and autumn is the best time to go. The apples are crisp, ripe, and delicious.

What better way to spend a day than to go to a nearby orchard with your friends or family and get some apples? Plus, most apple orchards have many things other than apples for you to happily go home with. These tasty items include apple cider, cider donuts, apple butter, pumpkin butter, and even pumpkins! You don't have to wait for Halloween to put a pumpkin or two on your doorstep or windowsill as a nice fall decoration for you and anyone who walks by.

Speaking of pumpkins, the return of fall means the return of pumpkin spice everything. Starbucks and Dunkin each have their pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin muffins, M&M's are selling a pumpkin spice flavor (it's actually pretty good), and grocery stores everywhere are stocking up on pumpkin seeds, muffins, cookies, yogurt, pie, just about anything that may be good.

And that's only things to do or eat in fall. I haven't even started with clothes. With the return of cooler weather, it's bye-bye sundresses, tank tops, and sandals and hello to sweaters, jeans, and boots! I personally love sweaters and boots and probably own way more than I need. But they're all so soft or so cute or comfortable that I can't help from adding to my collection. If it's not quite cool enough for a sweater, or you just don't feel like wearing one, fall is a time for cute plaid shirts, blouses, and scarves. Can't forget scarves (I also have more of these than I probably need).

I could go on and on about other great things about fall (Halloween, Thanksgiving, football, just to name a few) but I'll leave you to think of your own favorite things about this awesome season. Happy autumn!