FALL IS FINALLY HERE! Are you as excited about the changing seasons as I am? While it hasn't completely cooled off here in North Carolina, remnants of summer are slowly slipping away. Leaves are falling from the trees and nature is beginning to show off her most cool and rustic hues. 

Seeing nature transform right under my feet reminds me of the things I love the most about fall--sweater weather, festivals, family gatherings, and all the cozy hobbies I enjoy at my leisure.  It is the one season I enjoy spending time in the cool outdoor temps and indoors wrapped up because of the cool temps. I can show up for the world around me by day and cozy up in my favorite blanket with my warm beverages and get lost in a good read by night. Honestly, what's not to love about the fall season? 

While updating upcoming posts about beauty, fashion, reading, music and upcoming events, I thought it would be cool to once again share a list of the things I'm most looking forward to this season. Read after the jump to check out the 15 things I'm most hype about.

15 Things I'm Looking Forward to This Fall

1. Nature Walks- There's something about the fall season that makes me crave the good old outdoors. I'm usually an indoors type of lady, but once the leaves start falling, I want to be under the trees! Taking walks at the local parks or finding new locations to marvel at the beauty of nature excite me to no end. I grab my camera, strap up my boots, and capture the copper leaves and amber trails every chance I get. 

2. The Fair- Since I was a child, the fair has been my favorite fall pastime. I love the thrill of playing games in hopes of winning large, stuffed animals for prizes. I look forward to skipping dietary restrictions to indulge in deep-fried Oreos, caramel apples, and funnel cakes. And maybe, just maybe, I can find the nerve to ride a Ferris wheel or two with my loved ones, screaming in excitement all the way through.

3. The Festivals- Around my way, October is considered "wine month." However, our local Muscadine Festival kicks off the weekend before. Each year, I look forward to attending to try the best local wines, mingle within the crowd, and vibe with the live bands. I am also looking forward to attending a few wine festivals across the state this year for a change of scenery.

4. Family Gatherings- Before holiday season officially kicks off, somebody in the family is always having a gathering of some sort. Whether it is a birthday to be celebrated or just a general good time to be had, you can bet someone's lighting the bonfire! There's nothing quite like spending quality time with family while enjoying outdoor games and activities. And if that isn't enough to get hype about, the spades table is always waiting for whoever is ready! Please tell me you know how to play spades. 

5. Fall (+ Spooky Season) Comfort Movies - It truly feels like fall when I begin settling in for the night with my favorite comfort movies. I know movie favorites can be enjoyed at any time, but there's something about watching The Wizard of Oz, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Autumn in New York in fall that hits different. Traditionally,  I start cozy season with my initial viewing of It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and go down the list, having something nostalgic and warm to watch most nights.

6. Indulgent Baked Goods- Does fall make anyone besides me want to bake? Immediately, I begin to crave, cheesecakes, tarts, and casseroles out of nowhere! Perhaps it's the savory tastes that remind me of the warmth I long for in the fall. Maybe it's the way certain baked goods stick to my ribs in the best way around this time of year. Either way, I look forward to baking for my friends and family this season.

7. Celebrations of Friendship- There are a few birthdays among my friends that I look forward to celebrating this season. I can't wait to spend time with them and make beautiful memories with the fall ambience as the backdrop.

8. Fantasy + Cozy Reads-  Would this list truly be authentic if I did not add reading to the mix? You already know I look forward to squeezing in all the cozy reading time I can in the fall! This season, I am planning to add a few fantasy reads to my list (Legendborn, finally!) as well as more manga. Of course, I'll be keeping you updated on my reads via Instagram and Tiktok, so be on the lookout!

9. Fall Scents- I typically use the changing seasons to switch up my fragrance game. While spring and summer seasons call for light, fresh scents, fall calls for those decadent gourmand scents I love. It's time to bring out the vanilla, spicy scents and I can't wait. There's a new Montale fragrance sitting on my dresser waiting to be brought out!

10. Fall TV- With the changing seasons come the changing TV programming. And while I don't follow as many shows as I have in the past, there are quite a few I look forward to watching. Fight Night (starring Kevin Hart) and Reasonable Doubt (Jax Stewart is DOPENESS) currently have my attention. I caught the pilot episode of Three Women and it looks to be a promising addition to my roster. But more than anything, I am hype about the return of Abbott Elementary. I hope Janine and Gregory stop playing in our faces and finally get together this season. What about you?

11. Sweater Weather/Fall Fashion- The weather here is still much too warm for layers, but I can always plan and wait, right? I anticipate pulling out the sweaters, hats, boots, totes, and scarves once October settles in. Hoodie season is calling me and I am ready! What are you most excited about rocking this fall?

12. Fall Beauty- Again, this wouldn't be a genuine Drea post if I did not bring up beauty now would it? I have been braking for bold lippies for as long as I had lunch money, so ain't nothing changed! I'm already swapping out bright lippies for muted, deep shades. I've already pulled out some eyeshadow palettes I forgot I owned. And I have a few fall looks in mind I can't wait to rock! Be on the lookout, because I will for sure be sharing some of them here and on social media.

13. Cozy Crafts + Art- One of my favorite fall pastimes is making beautiful things with my hands. I will create an entire weeknight routine out of painting with soft jazz, making jewelry by candlelight, or creating writing projects under the influence of southern blues. This season, I've decided to try my hand at crocheting, y'all. Let's see how it goes!

14. New-To-Me Restaurants- Do you ever get tired of going to the same restaurants each and every time you go out? Recently, hubby and I have started compiling a list of new restaurants we'd like to try around our state. This list is quite an intriguing one because we have totally different tastes in food. Will I be able to get him to try this new vegan spot my good boo put me on to? We'll see! Also, if you're in North Carolina, tell me what restaurants I should be trying. Muffin, your recommendation is at the top of our list!

15. Hayrides- As a child, I loved hayrides. I even took my oldest two on hayrides when they were children. But man, I haven't been on one in the longest time! This year, I vow to take my baby boy on one when we go to the pumpkin patch in a couple of weeks. Of course, he seems nonchalant about it now. Maybe he thinks he's too old to do those "kiddie things" now at his age. But I know once we're out there, he will have a ball. These years go by fast, so we'll be making as many fun memories as we can for the time!

There is so much fun to be had during fall and I am stoked about it all. Whether you enjoy tailgating during football season, attending all the fairs and festivals your heart can stand, spending time making memories with your friends + family, or simply staying indoors to get lost in your favorite reads, fall has something magical to offer. So as the trees change color and the leaves begin to fall, I'm going to try my best to make the most of everything (and remember to bring my camera along to capture memories).  

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS FALL?

photo credit: carmen laezze for unsplash