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Podcast 38: Welcoming Autumn: Books, shows, activities to enjoy during the fall!

Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 38 of Life On the Brink!



Even though we’re not officially in fall yet, the equinox is upon us, and I have finally given in. It’s just a countdown to the end of the summer heat at this point, and I’m ready for all things cozy. To that end, today’s episode is dedicated to autumn and so many ways to enjoy this season. It’s full of book, t.v. show, and activity recommendations to help you soak up every bit of the fall months.


Sometimes it’s easy to let a season or a special occasion pass us up if we aren’t sure how to spend it or prioritize our time. I love making seasonal bucket lists for this reason; they’ve been a fun way for me to carve out time to do the things I truly love each season. Maybe something from this episode will inspire your own list!


What’s in my teacup? Lidl’s seasonal Cinnamon Apple herbal tea (divine)





BOOKS:


-The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. This is THE ultimate autumn read, and one of my favorite books of all time.


-The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein. A classic I have yet to read, but an adventure in Middle Earth is always an autumnal joy for me.


-Harry Potter (the whole series) by J.K. Rowling. Cozy magical childhood, there's a reason these are so beloved.


-The Wonder by Emma Donahue. A historical fiction puzzler. A little creepy and gray, disturbing at times, but the ending was smart and so worth it.


-The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. I have yet to read this, but Wilde's writing is so romantic and luxurious, I feel like this book is the literary equivalent of a nice merlot.


-Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (assorted stories). Who doesn't love Holmes and Watson? Nothing beats the streets of London at 221B Baker Street to put you in the autumnal mood.


-Edgar Allen Poe (assorted poetry). For a darker twist. This is highly emotional writing, and the subject matter can be twisted and weird. October was made for this man's poetry.



A classic.

SHOWS:


-Gilmore Girls. The quintessential cozy series. I only got into it last fall and can attest that once there's a bit of chill in the air, I find myself drifting back to this sentimental and funny classic.


-This is Us. If you're ready for the feels, this show's got em. It's all about family and will make you cry, but in a sweet way. The colors are rich and there's sooo much Thanksgiving content.


-Sherlock. I'm not usually a fan of modern-day twists on classic stories, but this one is an exception. All the fun of Holmes/Watson banter, but a little more grey, a bit more serious. I've seen this show at least 3.5 times.


-Peaky Blinders. I haven't watched this one yet, but it's on my list. You can just tell by the coloring and setting that it's made for fall-into-winter nights. Historical dramas are a must for this season in my opinion.


-Game of Thrones. Lots of forests, landscapes, adventure, wolves, warm coats, intrigue...the show has it all (including some violence and disturbing themes, so look it up first if you're worried). Yes, the ending of the show has been a bit controversial, but I LOVE this show, and it's perfect for the fall.


-Outlander. Ditto here. I'm currently in the second season and cannot stop. The story pulls you in, and the setting is gorgeous. The Scottish landscape, music, and accents are so warming to my heart. (know, though, that there's some really disturbing things in this show, too, so know yourself).


-The Great British Baking Show. Only wholesome, lovely content here. It's sweet in every way, it's cozy to the max, and it makes you want to bake. There are sooo many seasons, so you're set til spring.


Outlander. Completely obsessed with this show.

BUCKET LIST ITEMS:


-Read outside. Before we're closed up inside all winter long, now is the time to enjoy one of the cozy books above in the great outdoors. Try taking a walk with a book, or find a spot under a tree once the leaves have started to turn. It's magic.


-Plant an autumn garden. I've gladly introduced some mums into the flower bed, and am about to dig up the remainder of my summer veggies and turn my garden boxes into kale/carrot/radish heaven basically til it snows.


-Cook with apples (and enjoy fall produce). We're talking about red cabbage, pumpkin, broccoli, sweet potatoes, squash, brussel sprouts, and SAGE. Fall has such a distinct flavor profile, and it's one I wait for all year.


-Go to a flea market/outdoor market. With the weather nice again, little vintage markets or outdoor holiday markets spring up all over the place. It's a chance to scour through things you might not otherwise find, like an adventure but make it shopping.


-Bring back chili! September-March is chili season, in my opinion. Cheese, plain yogurt, tortilla chips, lime, and avocado are my preferred toppings, in case you were wondering. Chili is never a bad idea in the fall.


-Picnics. We all love a picnic, and what better way to enjoy the fall produce with the changing scenery than to combine them!




-Learn to knit/crochet/work with textiles and yarn. There's something satisfying about working with your hands, especially when you end up with a cozy product a the end! You can make scarves, hats, mittens, home decor, you name it. Plus, if you pick up a yarn hobby in the fall, you'll be able to enjoy it all winter too.


-Bake bread. I love bread, and fresh baked bread is one of my favorite smells. It still intimidates me, though, so this autumn I'm going to make a point of making fresh bread, sourdough or otherwise, a few times. (Bonus, goes great with soup!)


-Invest in a few nice-quality fall pieces for the season. Freshen up your wardrobe with a few staple cardigans, skirts, or a quality coat to spice up your closet without feeling the need to impulse-buy lower-quality pieces throughout the year.


-Try a themed dinner party. Last year my sister and I planned a Bavarian menu (think Oktoberfesty) to watch The Sound of Music. We loved it so much that we're planning an even larger party this year for Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Pick your autumnal theme and celebrate!


-Hike somewhere you’ve not been before. Wherever you live, this is the perfect time of year to adventure out to somewhere you've never explored before. With a chill in the air, the waning sun, and the changing leaves, you can't ask for a more cozy and romantic setting.


-Sit around a firepit. I know some people don't like the smell of smoke sticking to them (I have long curly hair, trust me, I know), but to me it's worth it to have that moment around the fire once the sun has gone down. Obviously, smore's are non-negotiable.



And with that, I’d say you’re well stocked! As autumn finally approaches, I hope your days to come are mild and sweet, filled with calm evenings and beautiful memories, and lots and lots of cinnamon. For more fall inspo, check out these previous episodes:







 


This Week’s Little Joy: Last week I hosted my first-ever “real” dinner party (meaning, a course meal with a tablecloth). It was just me and Josh and my parents and WOW was it lovely! I served 3 courses, we had wine and tea and played records, the evening was mild enough to open the windows, and I felt like a true hostess. I’ve wanted to host dinner parties since I started cooking at the age of 12, and now it’s happening! I can’t wait for the parties to come.

(I used this recipe by David Lebovitz for the main course)


What I’m Listening To: The soundtrack to “When Harry Met Sally”. It’s mostly Harry Connick Jr., which is no problem for me. It's the musical equivalent of orange trees in Central Park.




Be on the lookout for more fall-inspired episodes coming your way this season!

Thank you so much for listening, and have a lovely week.


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