Welcome, my lovely friends!
If you’d prefer to listen to this discussion, you can check out the full episode on The Bookmarks ‘n Blankets Podcast on your favorite podcast platform or listen below.
Let me know what you enjoy doing to celebrate this gorgeous, cozy time of year on Instagram or X(Twitter). I’d love to hear from you!
As the leaves begin to paint the world in shades of crimson and gold, and the air turns crisper with each passing day, there’s an undeniable feeling in the atmosphere – it’s the arrival of fall. A season celebrated for its enchanting beauty and undeniable charm, fall captivates our senses in a unique way. It’s a time for warm beverages, comfy sweaters, and pumpkin-spiced everything. To fully savor this magical season, you need something special, something that will elevate your autumn experience to new heights. That’s where “The Ultimate Fall Starter Kit” will come in handy.
In this episode/blog, we’re about to embark on a journey that will not only embrace the essence of fall but also help you create unforgettable memories during this cozy time of the year. Whether you’re a seasoned autumn enthusiast or just beginning to fall in love with fall, our comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to make the most of this season. From home decor tips that will have your home looking effortlessly seasonal to delicious recipes that will tantalize your taste buds, and from creative outdoor activities to heartwarming indoor pastimes, my Fall Starter Kit is your one-stop resource for all things autumn.
So, grab your favorite blanket, brew a steaming cup of apple cider or pumpkin spice latte, and get ready to dive into “The Ultimate Fall Starter Kit.” Together, we’ll explore the wonders of this enchanting season and discover how to make it truly magical. Get ready to embrace the cozy, warm, and inviting spirit of fall.
Welcoming the Autumn Season
Fall Books
Reading fall books is a delightful way to embrace the season’s cozy vibes. Whether you’re engrossed in a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or a captivating fantasy, a good book can transport you to different worlds while you enjoy the changing colors of autumn from your favorite reading spot. The crisp air and falling leaves outside create the perfect backdrop for getting lost in the pages, making reading during fall a truly enjoyable pastime.
There is a huge variety of books fit for the season, but I’m just starting my fictional reading journey. So below are a few cozy fantasies that I have actually read and rated either four or five stars. Then, for the cozy mysteries, those I have not read but plan to read this season.
Cozy Fantasy:
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Miss Peregrine & the Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie Holmberg
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldress
Into the Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer
Cozy Mysteries:
In the Company of Witches by Auralee Wallace
When the Crow’s Away by Auralee Wallace
Death by Bubble Tea by Jennifer J. Chow
Death in Castle Dark by Veronica Bond
Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant by Darci Hannah
A few of my favorite YouTubers and BookTubers who make beautiful fall vlogs or bookish videos:
- Darling Desi
- Haley Post – My Moonstone Kitchen
- Morgan Long
- Allison
- Indoora World
- Liv’s Library
- Alexandra Roselyn
My favorite ambient video YouTube channels:
Fall TV Series
Fall TV shows are like the comfort food of entertainment. As the leaves change and the temperature drops, there’s something undeniably satisfying about sinking into your couch with a hot beverage and tuning into your favorite series. It’s the season for new plot twists, character developments, and unexpected cliffhangers. Whether you’re a die-hard fan following your beloved characters’ adventures or exploring fresh, exciting shows, fall TV has something for everyone.
These are a few of my favorites that I love to watch during this time of year.
Fall Movies
Fall-themed and spooky movies are a must during autumn. It’s that time of year when the nights get longer and the air gets chillier, making it the perfect setting for a cozy movie night. Whether you’re into classic Halloween films, mysterious thrillers, or heartwarming stories set in the fall season, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, grab your favorite snacks, dim the lights, and get ready to immerse yourself in the spooky and autumnal vibes of these movies, because autumn is the ideal time to enjoy a good scare or a heartwarming fall story.
These are all amazing movies that I highly recommend watching!
Fall Cozy Hobbies
Engaging in cozy fall hobbies and crafts is like adding a warm layer of comfort to your autumn routine. With cooler temperatures and shorter days, it’s the ideal season to dive into creative activities. Whether you’re knitting a cozy blanket, trying your hand at DIY pumpkin decor, or relaxing with a fall-theme puzzle while listening to an audiobook, these hobbies and crafts provide a sense of relaxation and fulfillment.
Some of these hobbies I have tried, and others are on my bucket list to try.
- Paint by number
- Diamond art
- Paint candles
- Adult coloring books (and markers)
- Puzzles (and Puzzle Mat)
- Building sets for bookcase
- Knitting or crocheting
- Make a wreath or flower arrangement
- Leaf or flower pressing
- Cozy gaming – check out Cozy K on YouTube
Fall Outdoor Activities
Fall activities offer a unique blend of charm and adventure as the season’s colors change and the air turns crisp. It’s a time to savor nature’s transformation. Whether you seek serenity in nature or crave exciting outdoor adventures, fall provides a wide range of activities to explore and enjoy.
*For these ideas, research your local area.
- Take a scenic drive
- Physical Activities: Hiking, horseback riding, biking
- Attend football games and tailgate
- Make a bonfire so you can roast hot dogs and make smores
- Attend local fall festivals
- Find a local farmers markets
- Find an apple orchard and go apple picking
- Visit a pumpkin patch
- Carve or paint pumpkins
- Go to a haunted house, take a haunted hayride, or go on a haunted trail
Fall Decor & Decorations
Decorating your home for fall is like adding a warm and welcoming embrace to your living space. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, infusing your home with autumnal decor creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Think pumpkins and gourds adorning the doorstep, wreaths of vibrant fall leaves on the front door, and cozy throw blankets and earth-toned pillows on the couch. Candles with spicy scents like cinnamon and apple evoke the season’s spirit, while warm lighting creates a comforting ambiance. Whether you’re setting the table with seasonal centerpieces or hanging rustic garlands, decorating for fall is a delightful way to celebrate the beauty and charm of this time of year within the comfort of your own home.
Here are some ideas on things to decorate your home with or that will get you into the fall spirit.
- Essential oils and diffusers
- Candles
- Hand soaps (Bath & Body Works has some amazing scents!)
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Decorations
- Cups or Mugs
- Dining Sets and dishes
- Cookie cutters and kitchen appliances
- Fall apron, dish towels, and oven mitts
Food
Savor the Flavors of Fall – Fall is synonymous with a delightful array of flavors. From the first sip of a pumpkin spice latte to the last bite of a cinnamon apple pie, your taste buds are in for a treat. Experiment with hearty soups, roasted vegetables, and sweet treats like caramel apples. Don’t forget to visit your local farmer’s market for fresh, seasonal produce to incorporate into your autumn-inspired recipes.
Below are three recipes of my personal recipes that I’m sure you and your family and friends will love! For the chili recipes, I won first place in a chili cook-off two years in a row, so I know people really enjoy these recipes. And then the sausage kale soup is almost like a copycat recipe of Olive Garden’s soup. (*I apologize that these are not the best photos, but I wanted to show what these soups look like.)
Belt Bustin Steak Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ -2 lbs. steak (hanger steak is the best, but sirloin also works)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (16 oz.) beef broth (I use Swanson)
- 2 28 oz. cans diced tomatoes with juice (I use Hunts)
- 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce (I use Hunts)
- 1 can (16 oz.) kidney beans with juice (I use Busch’s)
- 1 can (16 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed (I use Busch’s)
- 1 small can (4 oz.) can green chiles, drained (I use Old El Paso)
- Splash Burgundy wine (or red cooking wine)
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (more if you like it hotter or leave out if you don’t want it spicy)
Instructions:
- Chop onion and cut steak into bite-size pieces.
- Brown the meat and then add the onion.
- Add a can of beef broth and splash of wine.
- Bring to a boil, and then turn heat to low to simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 3 hours, checking periodically.
- In a large pot, add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and chiles.
- Scoop steak and onions with a slotted spoon from broth and add to the pot when done. I add a little bit of the broth to it but not all of it. Stir together.
- Add spices, salt and hot sauce. Stir together.
- Bring to a boil, and then cover and simmer for 3 hours, checking periodically.
- Enjoy with cheese, sour cream, Fritos/crackers, cornbread, biscuits, etc. Whatever you eat with your chili.
Note: You can also use one to two pounds of ground beef instead of steak, however meaty you want your chili.
Instant Pot Wicked White Chicken Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lb. chicken breast or 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 can Northern Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) chicken broth
- 1 small can (4 oz.) chopped mild green chilies
- 1 small can (4 oz.) chopped hot green chilies
- 2 Tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions:
- Add everything (whole chicken breasts or thighs), except beans and dairy, and cook on manual for 20 minutes.
- Natural release for 10 minutes.
- Turn off the Instant Pot.
- Remove chicken breasts and roughly cut into bite-size pieces.
- Add back to the pot.
- Add beans and cook on saute for 15 minutes.
- Add dairy and cook another 5 minutes.
- Enjoy with cheddar cheese and serve with Fritos/crackers, cornbread, biscuits, etc. Whatever you eat with your chili.
Creamy Sausage Potato Kale Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. ground sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 large potatoes, diced
- Half bundle of kale, chopped
- 64 oz. chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Thickening slurry: 1 Tbsp. cornstarch mixed with 3 Tbsp. water
- Olive oil or coconut oil
Instructions:
- In a skillet, cooked the sausage.
- In a large pot, heat oil and then add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook on medium for about 10 minutes.
- Add the potatoes, sausage, broth, and spices. Cover and cook on medium to low for 45 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.
- Add kale, milk, heavy cream, and cheese. Stir well and cover, and then cook on low for 15 minutes.
- If the soup is too watery, add the thickening slurry and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy with your favorite sides.
Here are some other fall food and drink ideas:
- Beef or chicken stew
- Stuffed acorn squash with sausage stuffing or stuffed spaghetti squash
- Pumpkin sauced pasta or ravioli
- Roasted root vegetables
- Salad – chicken, apple, walnut, blue cheese with balsamic dressing
- Curry (Japanese or India)
- Ramen
- Homemade trail mix
- Spiced nuts or pumpkin seeds
- Pumpkin pancakes or waffles
- Caramel apple pancakes or waffles
- Pumpkin spiced donuts or apple cider donuts
- Cinnamon rolls or pecan sticky buns or apple cinnamon rolls
- Muffins or scones or pastries
- Cakes, cheesecakes, or pies
- Apple crisp or apple cobbler
- Apple butter or pumpkin butter
- Jams, jellies, or preserves
- Pumpkin or apple bread
- Fall flavored coffees and syrups
- Hot chocolate
- Apple cider
- Chai tea
- Mulled wine or Fall Sangria
- Martinis: Caramel Apple, Appletini, Pumpkin Pie, or Espresso
Brands I Recommend:
These are all delicious, and as someone who watches her sugar intake, I think DaVinci is the brand that has the best-tasting sugar-free syrups. They also have regular syrups if you don’t use sugar-free syrups.
In conclusion, “The Ultimate Fall Starter Kit” serves as your key to wholeheartedly embracing the enchanting autumn season. Whether it’s home decor advice, mouthwatering recipes, outdoor escapades, snug indoor pursuits, or a sprinkle of hygge (cozy living), this kit equips you to craft enduring memories and fully savor the magic of this time of year. So, slip into your coziest sweater, indulge in a steaming cup of cider, and embark on your delightful fall adventure today!
*Please note that I am a participant in the Amazon Associates Program and a member of other affiliate programs. I may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made through links in this article.
