Favorite Fall Things + A Mug Exchange

Although I love me some summer, fall ranks right up there!  There's just something special about it after a few months of pool days, tank tops, and 90+ degree temperatures.  In honor of a fun fall-themed exchange (keep reading!) I thought I'd make a list of my top 10 favorite things about fall!  Spoiler alert: pumpkin spice lattes are not included!  Though I like them a few times throughout the season, I don't live for them like some people!

1. Fashion

Boots, sweaters, jeans, leggings, scarves, jackets, layers, etc.  I feel like fall is really the best season for fashion...perhaps because summer is just so basic?  Anyway, fall just makes me want to shop.  Every year.  And I know I'm not only one.  Love me some fall fashion!

2. Football

It's no secret I'm a college football fan (go Hawks!), though not nearly as die-hard as I used to be  thanks to kids + being removed from Iowa for almost ten years.  (Although who said that's a bad thing?  Iowa losses used to ruin my days.)  Nonetheless, I still love a good football game, whether it's high school, college, or NFL.  Plus, football often couples with friends and good food and that I'm always a fan of!!

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3. Crockpots & Soup

Fall goes with slow cookers like peanut butter goes with jelly.  I know I could use my Crock Pot year round, but for some reason I have to dust it off come fall.  Ditto with soups!  Ain't no one want a hot bowl of soup when it's 90+ degrees out, so I welcome my soup recipes with open arms once September arrives!  (Side note: I love my new programmable Crock Pot.  It was my one and only Amazon Prime Day purchase--and a good one!  If you're in the market, this one can be purchased for a great price and can be set to change to "warm" after a set number of hours.)

4. Lenexa Chili Fest

 My favorite fall activity is hands down our local Chili Fest.  We've gone every year for about five years now and it's just such a fun fall family outing.  There's live music, beer, and face painting for kids.  Not to mention, all the samples of chili you can handle--for free.

5. The Pumpkin Patch

 No fall is complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch!  The pumpkins may be overpriced, but the donuts and kid-friendly activities make up for it!  See old trips to the pumpkin patch here--2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012.

The photo I accidentally deleted from my memory card last year.  And spent hours trying to recover.  Only to find it was blurry!

6. The Weather

As much as I'm a hot weather girl, the chill in the air come fall is very refreshing.  Not to mention, the sun actually feels good once again rather than feeling like a sweaty-hot mess like it does for much of the summer!

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7.  The Colors

Is there anything prettier than fall foliage?  I remember being on maternity leave with Brantley and taking photos of the trees around our old neighborhood.  Craig made fun of me, but seriously, how can you not enjoy them?  Prettiest part of fall!!

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8. Caramel Apples

I've always loved these things.  Here's proof.  Ugh, can we talk about how horrible that photo is though?!

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9. Family Photos

Okay, so maybe not my favorite thing when it happens (ultra stressful).....or leading up to (the outfit planning), but I do love looking through the photos we take each fall, replacing photos around our house, and choosing one for Christmas cards.  I also love seeing the photos other families take!

10. Halloween and the Start of the Holiday Season

Halloween is just so much fun, and as is almost everything, it's even more fun with kids!  The costumes, the candy, the parties--I love it all!  And let's be honest, I'm usually ready to decorate for Christmas the moment the calendar turns to November...definitely another fall fave!

What are YOUR favorite fall things??

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And now for a fun announcement.  Together with a handful of other bloggers, I'm hosting a fall mug exchange--because let's be honest, hot drinks just taste better from a fun mug!  Am I right?!  Buy a mug, send it to your partner, and receive a new mug in the mail?  Sounds about perfect, huh?

The details: 

\\ Mugs should be $10-15 before shipping.

\\ Sign-up closes on September 14.

\\ Partners will be matched (emailed) on September 16.

\\ Deadline to mail your mug is September 30.

\\ Share the mug you receive with the world (and us) on October 10--either blog post, Instapic, or both!  Use the Instagram hashtag #MugLoveExchange.

To sign up, click here and complete the form.  It will take you one minute or less.  U.S. residents only please.  And don't forget to check back on October 10.  We may or may not be hosting a fun mug-related giveaway. ;)