Fall Bucket List : Ten Simple Ways to Cultivate Happiness This Fall
I’m excited to share my Fall Bucket List with you in honor of the arrival of Fall!
Love it or hate it, the season is bursting with opportunities to make memories with family and friends. The weather may be getting cooler, but don’t let that stop you from getting out there and noticing all the little excuses for joy that can be found in this season.
With schedules full of appointments and activities, it can be hard to make time for leisure. That’s just the way it is. The “have to dos” have a way of suffocating the “want to dos.”
Enter the Fall Bucket List
List making is a powerful tool for goal setting. Have you ever sat down on New Year’s day and made a list of all the things you’d like to accomplish during the upcoming year?
Well… a bucket list is a lot like that. Except instead of work, you’re prioritizing leisure. This may seem frivolous, but it is actually a key component to creating a happier, more balanced life.
It is generally accepted that to be successful, we must formulate our goals in terms of something known as the SMART framework. Goals should be:
- S– Specific
- M– Measurable
- A– Achievable
- R– Relevant
- T– Time Based
A fall bucket list fits this format perfectly. It offers specific tasks or activities to complete that are not extremely complicated to pull off (read: achievable). They are relevant to the season by nature (and if you are drafting your own personal list, they will be relevant to your own lifestyle, needs, and desires). Because of the seasonal element you have a limited timeline to accomplish them (meaning they are also inherently time-based).
What is on a Fall Bucket List?
Since I focus mostly on home decor and organization on this blog, I have included several related activities.
But in an effort to keep it achievable, I’ve also included several small things that are just for fun. No heavy lifting required.
Believe it or not, these seemingly frivolous things actually have a purpose as well: cultivating mindfulness.
The Importance of Intentional Living
Next to home design and organization, mindfulness is my favorite subject.
Over the past few years, I have noticed an infinite increase in my personal happiness that has nothing to do with my material circumstances or the behavior of others.
It has everything to do with me noticing the little things that bring me joy and reveling in that feeling as I experience it.
I wish that for you too!
Burning a candle every day seems common. But if you do it with intention and gratitude, it begins to feel like a special gift you’re giving to yourself.
Everyday actions can become something extraordinary.
This is the mindset I would love for you to focus on building this season.
Important Note: If anything on this list seems like it is NOT relevant to your family, your lifestyle, or your goals… then sub it out! This is meant to be a guide and never something stressful. Make it your own.
My Challenge For you
I created this list with YOU in mind.
Wouldn’t it be fun if we all collectively joined in and shared our joy? Our success?
I don’t know about you, but I love the feeling of working through a challenge or trial with a community of likeminded women. The positive energy that manifests is REAL and so, so powerful.
So here’s the challenge:
If you’re reading this, it’s probably early Fall. Which means you have 10-12 weeks until Thanksgiving.
I’m challenging you to complete as many items on the list as possible before Thanksgiving Day.
You can jump in and do it all at once, or you can break it down into one or two a week. Totally up to you!
I’m asking you to invest about an hour each week to accomplish these tasks. Some weeks will take a little more, some will take a little less.
If that seems like something. you’d like to try, here’s how to get started:
1. | Download the checklist.
Click the button below to download a pdf copy of this checklist. You can print it out and hang it up to help remind you to make time for yourself!
2. | Grab Your Calendar
In my experience, the best way to make things happen is to PLAN AHEAD AND PUT THEM ON YOUR CALENDAR.
Look for “holes” in your current Fall schedule and try to plug in opportunities to schedule some of the bigger outings before you begin. This will help you prioritize them and help hold you accountable.
3. | Connect
No matter when this challenge finds you, I would love to have you connect with me and let me know how things are going!
Speak up and share your experiences!
You can send me an email or even a DM on Instagram. Or tag me (@suzettegebhardt_creative) in any posts you make about your adventures while you complete this challenge.
Fall Bucket List Challenge
1. | Organize Your Baking Supplies
Fall is prime baking season, and it’s a great time to refresh your baking routine by organizing a baking zone or station in your kitchen.
I swear by the “put it in bins” method and I outlined everything you need to know to complete this quick and easy project. This post (includes shopping links and step by step instructions as well as some of my favorite baking recipes).
2. | Take A Field Trip
Want to feel more present this season?
Get out there!
There is no better way to soak up the sensory bounty of Autumn than to step out of your house.
Your school days may be behind you, but you’re never too old to take a field trip.
Sack lunch optional.
To get you started, I made a roundup of my personal favorite fall outings. Check out the post for ideas to help you start planning the perfect Fall outing (you may want to schedule more than one!
3. | Play Hostess
This one can take some doing.
You might have kids with crazy schedules.
You’re likely to be busy with work.
And Lord knows how hard it can be to coordinate a time and date that works for everyone in your circle.
But like most things that require effort… you’ll be so glad you did it.
This is a great season for coming back together and reconnecting with the people who know you best.
Don’t make things complicated. Your friends love you for YOU… not your killer hors d’oeuvres or your fall tablescape.
Some fun get together ideas include:
- Kids’ Halloween Party
- Chili Cookoff
- Caramel Apple Making Party
- Football Watch Party
- Tailgate
- Campfire + Scary Stories
- Wine Tasting
- Scary Movie Marathon (see below)
My favorite is a low-key girls’ night. Here’s the “recipe.”
How To Host A Wine Tasting Party
What You Need
- Your Best Friends
- “Fancy” Take and Bake Pizzas + Easy Apps (Like Cheese + Crackers)
- 1 Bottle Of Wine Per Guest (Ask Each Guest to Bring One Unfamiliar Bottle In A Specified Price Range)
- A variety Of Nonalcoholic Beverages (Sparkling Water, Cider, Coffee)
- A Small Prize For The Winner
How It Works
Step 1 | Setup
- Light some candles and set up a wine tasting experience at your dining room table.
- Set each place with at 1 glass per guest and place a pitcher or bowl in the center of the table for guests to discard unwanted wines after each round of tasting.
Step 2 | Label
When guests arrive, wrap each bottle in a wine bag or tape paper over the label to disguise its contents. Number each bottle with a paint pen or other labeling tool.
Step 3 | Taste
- Once everyone has arrived and had a chance to visit/eat a little bit, move the group to the table along with the numbered bottles.
- Give each guest a piece of paper for taking notes and work your way through tasting the wines.
- Start with the lightest wine and encourage guests to note which ones they liked, which ones they didn’t enjoy and any interesting characteristics they want to remember.
- Have some small slices of bread (thin sliced French baguettes work great!) available for people to cleanse their palettes between tastings.
Step 4 | Compare
- After you’ve tasted a bit of each wine, have each person rank their wines from favorite to least favorite.
- Reveal the labels so people can write down the names of the wines they enjoyed.
- If there is a clear winner, award the person who brought that bottle with a small gift. You could also award a prize for the worst bottle.
Use the rest of the night to catch up on conversation (and finish the rest of the wine if you want to!).
4. | Update Your Fall Decor
Even if you aren’t a big seasonal decorator, this is a great time of year to mix up your decor a bit to reflect the changing seasons and keep your home feeling fresh and up to date.
This Fall bucket list item doesn’t require a full blown home makeover. Even implementing just one of the easy updates listed below will give your space a little burst of energy.
4 Super Simple Fall Decor Updates
Update Your Throw Pillows
The easiest way to add a pinch of fall to your living room.
Look for colors that will work for Fall but will also carry you through the entire winter (like the ones pictured below).
I’m also loving the warm jewel tone options available this year including burgundy, slate, rust and mustard.
HomeGoods, Target, World Market, CB2, West Elm, and Pottery Barn are some of my favorite sources for throw pillows and offer a range of price points.
Toss A Cozy Blanket On Your Bed
Think vintage wool Pendleton blankets or chunky cable knits. They make your bedroom feel instantly warmer and are nice to have on hand when the nights get chillier.
Replace Your Kitchen Hand Towels
The easiest, least expensive way to add seasonal color to your kitchen. You can choose towels with seasonal imagery if you like; I tend to stick with stripes. A 3-pack costs under $10 at discount home stores.
For my favorite super high quality kitchen towel, check out the link below.
Add Some Pumpkins
Maybe September is too soon (is it, though?).
But once October hits, you can bet I will be buying little pumpkins and scattering them throughout my home.
I buy bags of them at the grocery store, and I make a beeline for the overflowing wheelbarrow of minis at the Pumpkin Patch.
Bonus points if they are unique: white, pale green, or super bumpy.
You can also buy faux, ceramic, or even carved wood versions to use year after year.
Place these anywhere you need a little hint of Fall and park them there until the day after Thanksgiving (when the whole process starts over again with Christmas Decor).
Favorite Pumpkin Decor
5. | Savor Candlelight
Is it unusual to have a secret stash of apple cider scented candles shoved in a dresser drawer? Asking for a friend…
I know scented candles can be polarizing, so stay with me if you’re one of those “Fall candle haters.”
Even if you aren’t typically candle crazy, it’s worth revisiting the simple pleasure they provide.
Candles add a cozy ritual to your day. The simple act of lighting the flame at the same time each day is a great exercise in mindfulness.
This keeps you grounded in the present moment as you enjoy the sensory stimulation of the dancing orange light and the warm, familiar scent (if you so choose).
Anytime is A Good Time
Every time of day is great for lighting a candle, but these are some of my favorite times:
- First thing in the morning, while doing my morning journaling routine
- In the kitchen while cooking breakfast or dinner
- In the bathroom getting ready (either in the AM or when I’m doing my PM skincare routine).
- Watching TV during evening wind- down
- Bedtime
- All of the above!
6. | Cozy Up With A Fall Movie Night
Nothing beats snuggling up on the couch on cool fall nights.
Light the fire, pour a glass of wine or mugs of cider, and pass out bowls of popcorn.
I’ve outlined some simple steps here if you want to make this one extra special.
7. | Daydream About The Holidays
No, you don’t need to start holiday planning now.
But it is a great time to start thinking about the things you might like to happen during the upcoming holiday season.
After all, the only way to make things happen is for the idea to be in your mind in the first place!
If you use Pinterest, now is a great time to create a few new boards. They can even be SECRET boards if you don’t want anyone to know what you’re up to.
If you haven’t used Pinterest much, here’s a video that explains how to organize your inspiration using this amazing tool.
And if the idea of preparing now in order to make things more enjoyable down the road appeals to you, I have another awesome resource for you! My free holiday planner on Trello is easy to use and ready to fill up with all your exciting holiday plans!
8. | Start A Tea Time Ritual
Tea time is made for Autumn. It’s cozy, it’s a great afternoon pick me up, and there are so many seasonal varieties that will help you carve out a little moment of intentionality in your day.
Whether you like a warm mug of tea first thing in the AM or you opt to try it as an afternoon pick me up, here are a few ideas to make it special.
Tea Time Mindfulness
- Pick a special mug that has meaning to you or inspires you.
- Take a minute to sit quietly and be present without distraction.
- Notice the warmth and weight of the cup as you hold it in your hands. Inhale the aroma and you feel the steam tickle your nose.
- Be mindful as you take the first sip, and savor the flavors you observe.
A few of my favorite teas for Fall include:
- Glazed Lemon Loaf
- Vanilla Bean Macaron
- Cinnamon Vanilla
- Cherry Vanilla Tea
- Pumpkin Spice
- Hot Cinnamon Sunset
9. | Update Your Fall Wardrobe
Nothing makes it feel more like Fall than the first day you have to put socks on.
Usually, this happens for me when I want to wear my Frye riding boots for the first time.
For you, wardrobe items that feel like Fall might have specific textures or they might be slightly warmer colors than you usually wear.
While I NEVER advocate for replacing your entire wardrobe or ordering a seasonal clothing haul, adding one or two new items for the season can be a huge mood booster.
Here are a few items to consider shopping for this season:
Quick Fall Flair
- Cable Knit Sweaters
- Animal Prints
- Leather Boots
- Flannel
- Layers
- Tights
- Jackets of All Kinds
- Lightweight Scarves
- Corduroy
- Velvet
- Fringe
Other Fun Updates
- Berry, Wine or Raisin Colored Lipstick
- Fall Mani-Pedi
- Hair Lowlights
- Warm Brown or Copper Eyeshadows
- Navy Eyeliner
- Darken Brows with a Brow Gel
- New, Slightly Spicy Perfume
10. | Make Caramel Apples
In our last home, we had a gorgeous old apple tree in our back yard.
One Fall it went CRAZY. I had so many apples, I couldn’t keep up with harvest and giving them all away.
In an effort to use as many apples as possible, we made a LOT of caramel apples. And it’s still a really fun memory that I’m glad we made with our kids when they were little.
Caramel apples are easy for kids to make, delicious, and the perfect fall treat.
Caramel Apple Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Package Caramel Squares or Caramel Bits ( I like Brach’s)
- 2 Tbsp. Water
- Apples (Granny Smith work best)
- Toppings Of Choice: Chopped Nuts, Crushed Oreos or Butterfingers, Cinnamon, M& Ms, Chocolate Chips, Marshmallows, Sea Salt, Crushed Pretzels, etc.
Instructions
- Fit your crockpot with a plastic liner (such as Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners).
- Fill with caramels (caramel bits melt more evenly) and a 2 Tbsp. of water.
- Turn on crockpot and stir frequently until completely melted.
- Pierce washed apples (Granny Smith are traditional, but any apple will work) with a popsicle stick or a cake pop stick.
- Help children dip apple into melted caramel, then transfer to a square of waxed paper.
- Kids can dip apples directly into topping bowls or sprinkle/spoon toppings onto caramel. Be careful though… the caramel can be hot for little fingers!
- Slice & enjoy (or let harden and store in plastic bags for transport).
Hopefully you’ve caught on to my favorite secret about enjoying the season: you can create so much joy by choosing to celebrate the season in a variety of ways (big and small).
Simply wearing a new lipstick or getting outside with a loved one is all it takes to be present and enjoy the fleeting beauty of these months.
However you decide to show up this season, I hope you do it with joy and gratitude.
Thank you so much for checking out this guide. If you’d like to stay in touch, make sure to join my newsletter below so you can find out first when new challenges and guides become available.
That’s it! The challenge begins now and will run through Thanksgiving. I look forward to connecting with you online and as always, feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.
I look forward to checking things off the Fall Bucket List together. Let the magic begin!
xoxo,
Thank you, Suzette. Great list! Best wishes from Pinky Jackson, your Pro Organizer sister in Louisville, KY!
Thank you Pinky! I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment…wishing you a wonderful week.