Living in a place where the summer feels endless can be a bit of a drag- the sun beating down relentlessly, the air so thick with humidity it feels like you’re swimming through it. Some people might dream of year-round warmth, but personally, the lack of seasons is starting to feel like a long summer that overstays its welcome.
For those of us stuck in a climate that never really “turns,” autumn becomes more of a state of mind. A vibe, if you will. And while leaves may not be turning red and gold where I am, there’s still room for some seasonal magic, no matter how many sweat beads are clinging to your forehead. So, here’s my personal bucket list of ways to add some whimsical rituals to my autumn; a reminder that magic exists, even if it’s just in a cool breeze.
🐿️ autumn baking and sharing
I believe baking is for all year round, not just a particular season. But of course, spring baking is different from summer baking, and is different from autumn baking, and obviously from winter baking.
Autumn baking is for me, all things apples and cinnamon. I know in the west the pumpkin spice craze starts whenever the calendar hits September, however that’s not really the case where I live, unfortunately, but I can’t wait for the day that pumpkin spice becomes more available here. I also love the idea of baking to share with your community; whether that’s bringing it to work or sharing it around the neighborhood.
baking ideas: apple crumble with vanilla custard (yummmm), spicy cinnamon cookies, earl grey shortbread, cinnamon apple muffins…
🐿️ visit a second hand book store
Honestly, there’s no better time to stay at home and read than autumn and winter. I’m thinking freshly baked cinnamon cookies with a cup of chai latte on a cold, misty morning.
I’ve always associated the smell of old books with autumn; so warm, so rich, and so timeless. It feels like a hug from your grandmother, and it’s a scent that brings a sense of comfort and nostalgia. Lately, it’s become my latest obsession- vintage finds, old treasures.
There’s something about holding a book that has been passed through generations that makes the story feel even more alive.
I’ve been on the hunt for a very specific book lately — an old copy of Gone with the Wind. There’s just something about reading it from an antique edition, feeling the weight of its history, and perhaps even imagining all the hands that have turned its pages before mine. And I definitely recommend it for your Autumn reading list!
What are some of your favorite autumn reads?
🐿️ reflect upon your year on a hike
As the weather cools and the year comes to an end, I find myself reflecting more and more on who I was, am, and want to be. But sometimes, I can get easily tangled in my thoughts, especially when I’m cooped up inside. There’s something about being outdoors that offers the clarity I can’t find in the comfort of my own home.
A hike, with its steady rhythm and open skies, will clear your mind and give you the space to think deeply. If you want to take it up a notch, plan a weekend away from the city and go camping, either alone or with a loved one. Disconnecting from the buzz of the city will allow you to reconnect with yourself, with nature, and with your sense of being.
But even if a weekend away isn’t in the cards, carving out just an afternoon to picnic in the park, watch the sunset, or take a quiet walk will be able to ground you and bring in peace.
🐿️ volunteering for a cause
My end of year reflections always involve asking myself what have I done this year to make the world a better place? What is my cause? What do I care about and what change do I want to see in this world?
We all have our own unique causes, and that’s what makes this world beautiful. For me, it’s animal welfare and helping stray animals. I’ll admit, at this stage in my life, I don’t have the time to volunteer physically as much as I’d like. But what I can do is commit to donating a percentage of my income each month to organizations that support animal welfare.
Whether you have the time to volunteer your hands-on help or are able to contribute financially, every action counts. Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to making this world a better place. And remember, even if you change just one life, whether it’s a person or an animal, that change can echo far beyond what you might imagine. Don’t underestimate the impact of your kindness and generosity.
Autumn may not look the same everywhere, but we can still find ways to personalize this season and make it feel special. Whether you’re baking, reading, or getting outside, it’s all about creating those little moments that make the season feel like yours. So, as I check off a few things from my own autumn bucket list, I’m reminding myself that the magic is in the small, everyday rituals.
What are you doing this season to create your own whimsical, magical autumn?
xoxo,
Emily
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