And 5 websites to make these autumn essentials BETTER in 2021
We are well into September and by now you’ve noticed the slight chill in the morning air. The leaves. once green and bright, have shifted to shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple. Pretty soon, that satisfying crunch of fallen leaves will harmonize with every step you take.
Welcome to the beginning of autumn!
As we say goodbye to the scorching summer of 2021, we can take a sigh of relief, cooldown, and celebrate everything that fall has to offer. We’ve compiled a list of items to celebrate as the season changes and listed websites that can help make every moment count this autumn. Get toasty, get spooky, and get ready for the most comforting and colorful time of the year!
1. Sweater Weather
Firstly, let’s talk about the sweaters. Those wooly, cottony, fuzzy garments finally have their time to shine. Of course, there’s that one sweater you will never let go of. The one that’s washed year after year, wedged in the corner of your closet. This is an import sweater. And absolutely, keep that little guy. However, maybe you need a sweater refresh. We’ve found a couple of great companies that can provide some new additions to your autumn and winter sweater collection.
Speaking of sweaters that last year after year, Everlane is a clothing company that makes sweaters intended to last. They boast Grade-A Cashmere, Merino Wool, and 100% Organic Cotton sweaters. They are a transparent and ethically-minded company that prides themselves on their Radical Transparency, sharing the true cost of their products and partnering with ethical factories around the world. @everlane
If vintage is more your style, check out online thrift shop GoodFair. They carry “pre-loved” sweaters from retro knits to granny-style. Their tagline is “No New Things” and are active in the fight against low-cost factories and fast fashion. @goodfair
2. Fireside Chats
So, you’ve got the cozy sweater, what’s next? Get the firewood ready! Evenings spent chatting with friends and family next to a campfire or fire pit is a signature gift of the season. Maybe you have a traditional or electric fireplace inside of your home. Take a seat on the couch or cozy up on the floor with a cup of hot cocoa and roast those jumbo marshmallows. No matter how you spark the autumnal fireside gathering, we’ve found a great company that gives you the option to take the fire inside or outside.
Baby Fire Pits comes from the small metalworking team H&K studios in Colorado Springs. They make micro fire pits that can be used on a patio, at a campsite, or on your indoor tabletop. The flame burns using gel fuel that is odorless and nontoxic. The added surprise . . . they come with a mini smore’s kit! They’re also doing their part for wildlife conservancy and a portion of each sale goes to these programs. @babyfirepits
3. Pumpkin Spice Lattes
Yes, you knew the coveted PSL would be on this list. Essentially, this is THE sign of the beginning of fall. You can blame Starbucks for starting the trend. According to Starbuck Stories & News, the drink was introduced in 2003 as a limited release to 100 stores in Vancouver and Washington, D.C. Reports from the stores were unanimous: the pumpkin spice latte is a smash! The next year, the drink was rolled out across the country, and as they say, the rest is history. What exactly is the “spice” in pumpkin spice? Here’s the answer: Warming spices. These include a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and ginger.
Now, you’ve got on your cozy sweater, you’re cuddled up next to a fire, and you realize you need a hot beverage to warm your frosted fingers. We’ve found a great company that has a DIY pumpkin spice latte kit so you can create the magic right at home.
Teapressa sells higher caffeine content teas to match the robustness of coffee, but without the jitters. Their Pumpkin Spice Duo Kits are LUXE flavored sugar cubes that can be dropped into either a tea OR a coffee to create the PSL comforts right at home. Their products are 100% organic, eco-friendly, and sourced from fair-trade farms. @teapressa
4. Fall Foliage Drives
After you’ve had a cozy evening in your fall sweater, sat next to your autumn fire, and sipped on a pumpkin spice latte, why not take the next morning and go on a fall foliage drive? For sure, there are beautiful fall colors located all over America. Walk outside your door and the sights and smells of fall are available to you. However, a national park is where the colors of fall are really put on full display.
We suggest trying these 5 parks for peak foliage wonderment.
- Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- Great Smokey Mountains National Park, Tennessee
- Yosemite National Park, California
It is true, the national parks do require a fee to get in. Purchase an American the Beautiful pass at the park entrance or online at the National Parks Service website. This pass is good for a year and allows entry into all National Parks in the United States.
5. Halloween and Fall-inspired balloon deliveries
Finally, we come to our last reason to celebrate: Halloween and balloons! You’ve returned from your fall foliage national park road trip. You’re tired, however, you need to decorate for that Halloween monster mash or fall festival. Save the hassle and let the decor come to you. Decorate with balloons.
Balloon Planet is a balloon bouquet and balloon decor delivery service. We are a group of local balloon specialists who deliver balloons right to your door. Fall-inspired balloon arrangements are available for delivery now. Halloween displays, bouquets, and decor are available starting October 1st. Send spooky-fun or fall-inspired magic to a loved one. Balloon delivery is available across the United States and some parts of Canada.
Undoubtedly, balloons are fun, but being environmentally responsible is important. Balloon Planet does not sell balloons for the purpose of balloon release. When ordering balloons, please be environmentally conscious. Visit The Balloon Council website for further information.
