Falling Forward

I can't believe it, but somehow summer flew by and already the long, hot days are dwindling. Each year, at the start of summer, I make a mental check-list of things I want to do: go swimming at the pool, visit an amusement park from 5 PM onward (so lame, I know), attend to an outdoor concert (preferably Dave Matthews Band), go tubing, make homemade shaved ice, etcetera.

And though I wouldn't call this summer a typical one (perhaps more about that later...), can you believe that I did not do ONE of those things this year! Not one. And so, with the start of my absolute favorite season rolling around, I thought it might be a good idea to hold myself accountable by making a real list, and then sharing with you the results of my fall initiatives. Here are a few of them:

Travel: Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water 

I have been meaning to visit Frank Lloyd Wright's famous structure for a long time, but somehow the timing has just never worked out. What better time to visit than fall? The leaves in Western PA are absolutely beautiful, and I'm pretty sure if I looked in the right places I could find...

Baking: Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Do you and your friends ever pass the time by asking extreme questions such as, "If you could only eat ONE sweet thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?" Mine do. And if I was answering this question the answer would be, without hesitation, donuts. I've never made them myself, but I'm looking forward to trying my hand at the pumpkin spice ones, above.

Activity: Unique Pumpkin Carving

My sisters and I tried our hand at these carrot-nosed pumpkins a few years ago, and though they weren't quite as adorable as Martha Stewart's (above), they were a welcome change from the traditional jackolantern. This year I'm hoping to make the white pumpkin/parsnip variety.

Wearing: Cable Knits

I love to find cozy sweaters to wear throughout the fall and winter months, and this cable knit in my favorite color is just what I have in mind. I also love that ombre hair, but odds are I would chicken out. :)

Activity: Bike Riding

Bike riding through crunchy fall leaves is always a treat, and this year I'm hoping to have the opportunity to do so in one of my favorite local places: Gettysburg. If you haven't been during the fall months, it is so worth the trip. And make sure to visit the Dobbin House afterward for some french onion soup and beer. Seriously. Make sure.

Cooking: Butternut Squash Stew

By now you all know of my unhealthy obsession with butternut squash, and this stew recipe, first made on this blog by Dani, is one of my favorite ways to eat it. I can't wait to make this on the first nippy night of the year.

In addition to these initiatives, I'm hoping to make up for a lost visit to Shade Mountain Winery, do some hiking, and maybe even visit a football game (mostly to watch the marching band ;). 

What's on your fall to-do list?