Hello, November

Call me basic, but I love the fall. While I don't enjoy pumpkin spiced lattes, I'm completely guilty of uploading photos to  Instagram of my standard order (venti unsweetened, iced coffee with soy), ballet flats, and vibrant red, yellow, and orange leaves that cover the ground (it's pretty...why wouldn't you?). I proudly light my pumpkin candle in the early morning as I watch the news and drink my coffee and in the late (who am I kidding, super early) evening as I flip through Food &Wine and Food Network magazine in search of new holiday recipes. Yes, my choice of nail polish is indicative of the time of year (Lincoln Park After Dark, September-November) and yes, I got a LOB (long bob) at the start of the season to go with my infinity scarves and endless layers. I've also gone to a pumpkin patch, had a bonfire, and baked spiced bread.  ILIKETHENEWTAYLORSWIFTSONG. There...I said it. It's simply the best time of year and here is why November First is so warmly received in my home each and every year, before basic bitches were a thing and long after the new basic bitches are all about the spring:

• Halloween is Behind Us- Do not get me wrong. I repeat, do not get me wrong, I love October, it's a top three favorite month of mine. In fact, I love 30 out of the 31 days in October,  I just don't like the 31st of October. I gave one last ditch effort to get into the holiday this year and woke up on November 1st certain that next year will be less house parties, uncomfortable costumes, and devastating Uber wait times and more chili, wine, and scary (somewhat suspenseful) movies.

• The Holidays are Upon Us-Alas, the holidays are around the corner and rapidly approaching, it's time to start preparing and if you give yourself enough time, this time of year can be very enjoyable. The preparation (which is most the fun-shopping, recipe planning, decorating), reuniting with family and friends, continuing traditions, and of course the food. What could be better than cooking, eating, and being surrounded by friends and family? Nothing. In my family we have a tradition of going to see The Nutcracker ballet each December. It's GREAT inspiration (there's a very good chance you're heavier than every single person on stage) to not let yourself go entirely over the holiday season. Sometimes I need a gentle, but firm, reminder that I don't always not need a third round of pie sampler. I think it's important to taste each pie on the table, not all pies tastes the same, but it's also important to have practice self control and tasting twelve slices of pie is not control...in fact, it's out of control. 

• No More Force- It's no secret that I'm an FOF (forcer of fall). The first day of fall is each year at the end of September, but for me, fall starts one month prior at the end of August since it's close to September (and September is one hundred percent fall), and everyone knows that the "first day" of anything never really matters. I know all you summer lovers aren't waiting until the end of June to get your party started so leave your judgement at the pool. Being an FOF and living in Denver, where it's not unusual to have warm afternoon temps until late October which means that between August and October, I sweat a lot. Come November, I force no more.

Happy November. Happy Sweater Weather. Happy Looking Your Best Time of the Year. Happy Fall. Happy Shopping. Happy Layering. Happy Decorating. Happy Eating. Happy Parties. Happy Drinking. Happy Reunions. Happy Holidays. 

'Tis The Season, ladies and gents. Now lift your mulled wine mugs to that beautiful cloudy sky and cheers to the best time of the year. #blessed