My Favorite Fall Things

Happy Friday, friends. It’s Fall. And it’s lovely outside. It’s sweater weather and pumpkin candles and cozy blankets and almost all of my favorite things. Sometimes, even when the world is heavy and our hearts are overwhelmed, a focus on things that bring us joy is exactly what we need.

This week, I’m sharing with you my favorite things for Fall.

TOOLS

I was talking to my teacher friend the other day and she was telling me how apparent the lack of social interaction and norms we’ve had to adhere to over the last year and a half has definitely impacted the kiddos.

Think about it: not using the public bathroom, not having to sit at a desk to work all day, not waiting in lines… among the separation anxiety, germ worries, masks, and a ton more stimulation.

Thankfully my kiddo has been okay this year but when I saw his class picture this week of everyone “smiling” in their masks, my heart broke. I’ll buy that picture for posterity. And hopefully to never see something like that again.

It’s different and it’s hard and everyone is doing the best they can.

For me, when I’m struggling with my parenting chops, I scour the internet for resources, books and articles. Lucky for you, my team and I created Parenting Videos so you don’t actually have to do that search for yourself.

Our Family Reset Parenting Video Series is one of my favorite tools this fall. Why? Because we all need a little help - helping our kiddos, helping ourselves and offering lots more grace. Check them out.

GRATITUDE

Almost every night we sit down as a family at the dinner table. Unless we are eating pizza, we can expect the kids to be a little restless, a lot loud and not be able to have an adult conversation. So, we have level-set our expectations and we make sure to use the 20 minutes (if we’re lucky) with everyone seated together to check-in.

My favorite check-in is asking, “What were your three favorite things from today?”

I grew up with us having to say “two good things” and this is my 4-year-old’s spin on our family’s tradition. You never get a “fine” or short answer. It always sparks conversation, a smile and just a moment to pause to take it all in.

There are rules though. You cannot repeat what someone else said and you MUST wait your turn. Cole usually goes first ;)

For me, it’s the most grounding part of my day, in spite of the chaos. I love to reflect with my family and I notice after we do this practice, bath time and the wrestle to bed are a bit more relaxed. I’m more grateful. I’m more present. I’m just a better mom.

If you do not have a nightly check-in routine established with your loved ones, I encourage you to try this one.

INNOVATION

I’m not sure if it’s my concussion syndrome or just getting older but this summer I realized I’ve had a hard time tolerating coffee. In fact, my husband says I turn into a wee bit of a monster. Unless it’s Halloween, not something I’m going for.

So, I got hooked on a social media ad and went for MUD WTR and I have to tell you, I’m into it! It’s my new favorite morning beverage.

For those of you unfamiliar, this is an adaptogenic blend of spices and herbs that when mixed with some plant-based milk and my now lower dose of just 3 oz of coffee, I no longer am jittery or irritable after my morning cup of joe! Also, it really doesn’t taste bad. It’s like a latte…but don’t smell it expecting coffee, that’s one loss I’ve had to suffer.

Seriously, I was drinking just 6 oz of coffee and then having to take CBD oil to stabilize myself. The cool thing about adaptogens (which I never knew before) is that they work to “stabilize of physiological processes and promote of homeostasis”. Basically, they help us better handle stress. WINNING.

If you try out their intro offer you get a little battery powered, rechargeable frother that I’ve been using for basically everything I’d normally stir with!

FEELS

I love reading. And during the fall when the weather is cozier and days are darker, snuggling up with a good book is delightful. It gives me my favorite fall feeling: hygge (pronounced “hoogah”).

I’m especially looking forward to Shauna Niequist’s new book, I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet. It doesn’t come out until April though. Bummer.

SO, my alternative for that hygge feeling is a combination of things: a bonfire, my favorite candle or diffuser oil, my favorite glass of red wine, a good playlist and a book or a feel good documentary.

There you have it. I’d love to know some of your favorite fall things - please share by replying back or just commenting on our social channels!