FALLish

My favorite time of the year is upon us...the fall!  Now don't get me wrong I love summer (a very close second) and I have a certain appreciation for spring & winter, however fall is my favorite season.  Not only is the temperature amazing, but the leaves become a beautiful array of color, the food is so comforting, there are many outdoor activities to be had and I love my choices of attire for the fall!  Bring on the boots, jeans and scarves!  With Labor day behind us I think it only proper to discuss the season change ahead.

Fall Fitness:  Now one of the best things about the season is the weather!  We get cool, crisp days and some cozy rainy ones mixed in.  Perfect running weather!  Time to bust out some trail runs and enjoy the scenery......the best part???  You can run at any time of day, no more trying to get a run in before the heat of the day!   Fall is the time of year when I think I am in the best shape because I really enjoy running in the weather so I do a lot more of it.  In addition, the cooler weather brings on more hot yoga sessions and the lack of beach days makes me more inclined to go to the gym rather than lay by the water.
Now fall in our new New England atmosphere is going to be very different than what we've been used to in Charlotte, but it also brings on new adventures....apple picking and hiking!!  Now we hiked frequently outside Charlotte, but New England brings lots of new adventure to the table.  New state parks, new mountain ranges & ledges where we can try rock climbing (probably indoors first of course).  New England also has a larger variety of places and different terrains to hike...nice job, New England, keep up the good work!  You can also enjoy many outdoor activities without the heat which can help keep you active, hence the apple picking mentioned above or the pumpkin patch and tons of other fall festivals!  I find it easy to stay active in the fall between the great weather & variety of activities.

Football:  My favorite sports season!  Also a practically fit downfall!  Sundays and Monday nights (oh yea Thursdays too!) become consumed with friends, food and sitting on my ass in front of a TV.  I think I drink more beer and eat more wings during the fall compared to any other season.  So fall is also a season of finding balance and being practical with my choices from day to day.  With no more Panthers tailgates (boooo) I may be able to find more balance this season.  And of course...

WHO-DEY!

A few of the ones we are enjoying currently!

Fall Food:  Should I be like every other girl in yoga pants and say I love a pumpkin spice latte?  I mean I do, but it's not my #1.  Apple pies, warm soups & pumpkin beer!! Hell yea that's my favorite fall beverage the transition into pumpkin beer and other darker, comforting beers.  Southern Tier's Pumkin always a fan favorite, and this year Ithaca's Country Pumpkin is creeping high up on my list. Warm hot apple cider (sometimes with a lil splash of Captain Morgan's) and now that we're in New England cider donuts are back as well!  Now on the healthy spectrum...we transition from grilling to indoor cooking.  Let the crock potting begin!!! Lots of baked veggies and veggies/meat in the crock pot so we can come home to a warm meal.


Time to get used to shorter days and cooler weather, but the transition to fall is a good one.  It let's me change up my work out to more outdoor activities, warm up with some comforting beverages & food, and also let's me have my food indulgences while watching my favorite Bengals win a few!