“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” Anne of Green Gables

There is just something about October. I don’t think it really registers, for me at least, that summer is over and fall has begun until October arrives. Summer is filled with warm evenings, days spent lounging at the pool and beach, bike rides, sunscreen, and cut-offs. Yet October brings in a whole new set of traditions and activities that fills me with anticipation and excitement. I typically start off each season overly ambitious about all of the activities I want to accomplish, and then at the end am slightly saddened that I wasn’t able to do ALL of them (this is only natural when you have a million items on your seasonal bucket list….). So this season we decided to go by months, break it down into smaller, more manageable and attainable pieces. We’ve compiled our “October Bucket List,” filled with 10 activities (that’s 2-3 a week, doable, right?!) that we hope to partake in this month! Join us!

1. Remember those days of going to the pumpkin patch, riding the ponies and hay truck? Well, whose to say that as a grown up you can’t do the same thing?? Sometimes acting like a kid is the best reminder not to take life so seriously!

2. Have a pumpkin carving party. This may sound initially overly ambitious, but it can always be a party of 2, which then combines as a date night, right? Or, grab a group of your girlfriends together, have each person bring a bottle of wine and appetizer, and carve away!

3. Go apple picking. This has been on my list for years and I am determined to make it up to Julien or Oak Glen to pick some fresh apples. The next logical step? Have grandma over to make her  famous, and delicious, apple pie!

4. They say that smell is the strongest sense, that it can bring to life any memory. My goal? Find the perfect (because so many smell over processed) fall scented candle!

5. Stock up on leopard print! Some favorites are these shoes, sweater, dress, and purse.

6. Find the coziest fall scarf! Loving these here, here, here.

7. Host a Sunday football party complete with seasonal beer tasting. It’s the perfect way to combine his and her interests on an otherwise “his” day… the ladies can socialize and the men can do whatever they do when they watch football (I guess glue themselves to their fantasy football lineup??).

8. Halloween movie marathon night. Round this out with your favorite small indulgence (mine might be a small Reese’s Pieces :)), comfy sweat pants (old velour juicy pants always cut it for me), and your favorite person(s). Looking for some suggestions that won’t give you night terrors or have you jumping at every small sound you hear? Try “The Addams Family,” “Charlie Brown,” and “Hocus Pocus.” (because who can resist an old Sarah Jessica Parker movie?).

9. Visit an Oktoberfest. I don’t think this requires much explanation.

10. I saved the best for last. Cook anything and everything pumpkin you can. Go to Yogurtland and sample all their fall flavors, indulge in a Pumpkin Spice Latte, and heck, why not have a little whipped cream with that pumpkin pie (and just an FYI, it’s the healthiest of all the fall pies… so that makes it okay!!).