Now that fall is well underway, it is time to take advantage of everything the season has to offer. Before you know it, we HPHS students will be stuck in the cold trying to get through finals week. You can make this fall the best one yet by following these tips for a memorable season.
Starbucks is the first item on the agenda. There are many delicious options on the Starbucks fall menu. My personal favorite is the pumpkin cream chai latte, but the pumpkin spice latte is undoubtedly the main attraction. If you’re feeling bold, try an apple crisp macchiato paired with a baked apple croissant or a pumpkin cream cheese muffin. Without at least one visit to Starbucks (or five), the fall season simply isn’t complete.
However, I have other options if you’re not willing to shell out $7 for a drink. A really simple chai recipe that you can make at home is a great option. Here is my favorite: in a cup of water, boil a slice of fresh ginger, half a cinnamon stick, some cloves, and a few crushed cardamom pods. After a minute of simmering, add a black tea bag and steep it. Next, add a spoonful of sugar or honey, half a cup of milk, and stir. Here guaranteed is a fantastic smell in your kitchen, in addition to an incredible taste.
Moreover, many enjoyable customs never grow old in the fall. Watch scary movies, visit haunted houses, go on hayrides, and explore pumpkin patches. Have a pumpkin carving competition with friends or family and save the seeds. After you’ve finished choosing the winner, toss the pumpkin seeds with salt, paprika, and olive oil before baking them in the oven. You’ll have some jack-o’-lanterns to decorate your porch with while eating your quick snack.
In autumn, music is vital. It’s your final opportunity to unwind before Christmas music starts playing nonstop in December. Create your own playlist or take inspiration from these:
Foggy Morning Walk to School
“Cherry Wine” by Hozier
“Ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine
“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
Cozy Study Session
“Lullaby” by Laufey
“Coffee” by Beabadoobee
“Flightless Bird, American Mouth” by Iron & Wine
October Romance
“Heather” by Conan Gray
“Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star
“The Book of Love” by Peter Gabriel
Yet, even if you don’t usually read for fun, these books might change your mind. They’re entertaining and perfect for fall:
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
The City Beautiful by Aden Polydoros
One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
All-in-all, fall is what you make of it. Try to find the things that ease your stress and use this time to make memories, whether you’re carving pumpkins, making chai, creating a playlist, or even reading a good book. Take advantage of the beautiful leaves and warm feelings before they’re gone!
