Unfortunately, I live in a place that knows no fall. Orlando, Fl.
Our leaves don't change. Our air does not get cool. There are no corn mazes, and pumpkin patches tend to happen in parking lots with sad pumpkins lined up on pallets. The closest we get to fall is buying a cinnamon broom at the grocery store.
This is why I have to break out my Pretend Fall Survival Kit. It is an essential tool for those of us living in southern states who yearn for the beauty and wonder that is fall, but are missing out on the required crisp, cold air to bring it about successfully.
Ingredients For A Pretend Fall Survival Kit
- Hats - Knit hats. Wool hats. Hats with buttons. Hats with ribbons.
Hats are essential for giving you that fall feel. - Fall-Flavored Drinks - I have Apple Cider and orange coffee on my shelf right now. Anything Pumpkin Spice flavor will also work. (You get bonus points if you have an orange mug with which to toast the arrival of fall.)
- Fall Books - Anne of Windy Poplars always makes me feel like fall is in the air.
- Fall TV & Movies - My family watches all the episodes of Gilmore Girls with changing leaves when we want to pretend it is fall. In movies, When Harry Met Sally has great fall scenes in it, and so does Stepmom. You've Got Mail also has some beautiful fall moments, including the line "bouquet of sharpened pencils" if you are willing to overlook the fact it is the movie that kills dreams. For other fall fun, and a movie that also is very much about pencils, check out The Odd Life Of Timothy Green, which is one of our new fall favorites.
- Fall Scented Candles - Pumpkin Pie. Apples and Cinnamon. Apple Pie (any pie scent is great for fall). Spiced Cider. Frosted Cranberry. Leaves. Vanilla Shortbread.
- Fall-Colored Accessories - You might not have deep, red leaves around you, but you can carry a deep, red purse.
- Boots - The only shoes I love that aren't flip flops.
- Scarves - I like to make my own, but that isn't required.
You can't have fall, or pretend fall, without a nice scarf. - Socks - Not pictured because they are currently on my feet. They are yellow with white stripes, and quite cozy. My friend Tia sent them to me. I've turned the air conditioner down extra cold, because there is no such thing as sock weather in Florida.
That's how we pretend fall is here at my house. It works pretty well - as long as we don't actually walk outside very often.
This is adorable! In my imaginary Fall Survival Kit, I would put One Tree Hill, a cozy blanket, and some fall house decorations. :)
ReplyDeleteI love it and wish I could do an imaginary kit, but sadly I am in NY, where it is definitely fall and winter isn't far behind now most likely either!
ReplyDeleteI'd have to add construction paper to make pumpkins, leaves and spiders. I grew up in Sebring, FL and now live in El Paso, TX where the weather isn't much different (just drier). We have to make it look like fall indoors with lots of kid crafts :-)
ReplyDeleteStars Hollow! It's always fall in Gilmore Girls, right? Hot coffee and hats.
ReplyDeleteI'd get someone who lives in New England or the midwest to send me a GIANT box of colorful leaves. Enough to make a pile to jump in.
This is great! I live in Chicago where it has already been Fall for about 3 weeks now. I love EVERYTHING about Fall, with the exception of the cold. One day, I will live some place warm.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute idea! Love they Fall Bucket List! Have a fabulous week!
ReplyDeleteI live in southeast Alabama and we don't really have fall either. Never thought about have a pretend kit.
ReplyDeleteThis is too cute! I totally could have used this growing up in Florida.. it's just not the same down there!
ReplyDeleteI too wish my list was imaginary. But it's not. And I forgot all about the fall scenes in When Harry Met Sally.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like our "survivor" list :). I used to love watching Gilmore girls - still a little obsessed.
ReplyDeleteI love this list :) I love that you're loving your socks. Fall is starting to happen here this week, so I'll take lots of photos for you, and maybe save a few leaves ;) One day we'll have hot tea and play in the leaves together <3
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing. I would do the EXACT same thing if I couldn't experience fall! In fact I do this to celebrate Christmas sometimes in the summer months--scented candles, Christmas music, socks, and Christmas movies! :) Yay fall! Both pretend and real :)
ReplyDeleteSO fun!!! So- do you actually wear those hats? Just curious. As much as I love the change of seasons.... and the never-ending excitement and newness of life it brings-
ReplyDeleteI sometimes wish I lived south.
But I'll embrace it as best I can on those freezing cold days that splatter freezing rain turning into snow... and the overhead of grey that lingers for months it seems.
I will WILL embrace it! ;)
I've been wanting to watch the Gilmore Girls! I never got into it, but everyone seems to love it. Now that it's going to be on Netflix soon, I guess I'll be adding that to my Fall bucket list. :)
ReplyDeleteI live in Tampa, so I hear you on the lack of fall! That's a great Fall Surival Kit, though!
ReplyDeleteI'm in Los Angeles and I'm definitely going to watch the Gilmore Girls so I can feel like it's fall!
ReplyDeleteThis is by far my favorite fall bucket list on the link up! lol At least when you have pretend fall, you can leave stuff out of the fall survival kit that's less than pleasant, like a snow shovel or the cold/allergy medicine! :) Enjoy your fall-less fall!
ReplyDeleteThat is a pretty good fall survival guide. Our leaves are just starting to change colors and I cannot wait for all things fall to take place!
ReplyDeleteI hear ya on the "pretend survival kit"... It's kind of the same for us in southern California, although we are definitely not as humid! Great post :)
ReplyDeleteHey this was great I don't get fall, but I do have a habit of falling........over..........
ReplyDeleteAhh love the list..My heart is with the socks point..I love pretending it's fall or even winter and put on my socks and curl in a corner
ReplyDeleteRandom Thoughts Naba...Welcome Fall!......
Ha! I'm in Deland. I find quite a few things to do in spite of the lack of fall weather. Oh, btw.. there's a corn maze at Long Scott Farms if you're willing to drive. ;-)
ReplyDeleteSince I completely missed the challenge this week (ARGH!) I will be writing my Autumn Wish List (or something similarly titled. Want it to be proactive but stuff based on kicking the bucket doesn't sit right with me!) Anyway - I am in Bakersfield where we may get an entire weekend under 90 degrees. I'm excited about this! LOL. Great to read you, always.
ReplyDeleteGreat list- fall candle scents are the best! My Fall Survival Kit would definitely have gift cards to Starbucks so I can buy their Pumpkin Spice Lattes!
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