Here we are, it's *gasp* finally September. The month of cool autumn breezes, tailgating, cozy sweaters, campfires, and.. pumpkin spice? It seems like everywhere you turn there's a new "pumpkin spice" flavored something. Pumpkin Spice Lattes (PSL for short- it seriously has its own nickname? Like... for real?), pumpkin spice pancakes, pumpkin spice muffins, pumpkin spice oats, pumpkin spice apples, pumpkin spice cookies, and the list goes on.

Just to clear some things up, I love pumpkin pie. Pumpkin bread is yummy too, and sometimes I even like pumpkin seeds. I just can't seem to figure out why everyone loves the flavor "pumpkin spice" so much. I'm aware this is a personal preference, but it blows my mind how many foods/drinks become popular around this time just by adding the name "pumpkin spice."

What about apple cinnamon? What about warm apple cider after a chilly day of walking from class to class or sitting by the campfire with your friends? What about apple cinnamon muffins, apple cinnamon pancakes (which are amazing FYI), apple cinnamon suckers, apple cinnamon cookies... okay, you get what I mean. What makes pumpkin spice superior to the oh-so-great apple cinnamon?

Pumpkin pie is delicious. My mom can make some mean pumpkin pie, I'm telling you. But you know what else is good? Apple crisp (or pie, whatever your preference). There's nothing like eating some warm, apple pie with a bowl of vanilla ice cream. Maybe people like drinking their pumpkin spice lattes with some ice cream? Is that a thing people do? Either way, I think we all can agree that pie is delish no matter what flavor it may be.

Yes, I have tried the drink. I've even tried eating pumpkin spice muffins. There's just something fake about the flavoring in pumpkin spice. As an avid coffee lover myself, I don't see anything special about the PSL (or pumpkin spice anything in general). Maybe people like the flavor because it gets them in the "fall spirit" or "excited for winter." But honestly, who is ever really excited for winter? The first snow fall is great, sure, but then after that you're left with an icy and slushy mess. Don't get me started on the icy slushy mess.

Part of me wonders if half the people who claim to "love" PSL's are only loving it because it's the thing to do during the fall. But hey, I'm sure there are many people out there who pretend to like apple cider as well. Whichever team you're on (apple cinnamon being my choice, obviously) we can all agree that fall is the best time to cozy up with our drinks, wear warm sweaters, leggings, and boots, and prepare ourselves for the freezing cold winter days that are ahead of us.