As we wait for our little one to arrive, Dave and I have been dreaming up plans to enjoyΒ fall with our new baby! It’s a short season in Chicago so taking advantage of the changing colors, brisk temps and that lovely smell of fallΒ is important. Here are a few things we’re excited to-do this fall…
1. Walks along the lake {as a family of four, yay!}. Lincoln Park has a beautiful strip of open parks, waterways, the LP Zoo, and miles of lakeside trails running along Lake Michigan. I have lived in this neighborhood for 8 years and am a little biased {although the waterfront trails/paths run from the South side all the way up to almost Evanston} but the trees lining the water in LP have a week or two of changing fall colors that are always my favorite to capture on Saturday mornings with a hot cup of coffee in tow. Our favorite stretch runs from Belmont Ave, walking south to Fullerton. Most Saturdays you’ll find Webster sprinting down the paths along the water {if you follow me on snapchat: lizadamsss, you’ve probably seen this!}.
2. October is the last month to take advantage of the Green City Farmers Market being outdoors. Make sure to stop by on a Saturday morning for a Seedling smoothie and apple cider donuts. I also plan on picking up ingredients for my favorite Roasted Tomato Soup.
3. Our 3rd annual pumpkin party! If you’ve read Sequins & Stripes for awhile you’ll probably remember mention of our fall pumpkin parties. We invite all of our friends over and everyone has to bring a pumpkin dish {or at least something fall inspired}. We open the windows, the boys watch football, we taste test fall beers, burn our favorite fall candles and our dining room table is filled with every fall indulgence.
4. Fall roadtrip through Michigan. Dave is from outside of Detroit and spent his entire childhoodΒ visiting family in Traverse City and Leland. Growing up in Chicago and visiting my family’s home in Wisconsin, I never really ventured to Michigan until I met Dave but since we’ve been together I’ve completely fallen in love with the state. In November, Dave and I are going toΒ take a long weekend andΒ visit family in Northern Michigan – driving up the west side of the state, stopping at wineries,Β grabbing fresh produceΒ at apple orchards and apple cider donuts at the Cider Mill’s, and venturing to Traverse City where the fall colors never disappoint. If you’re interested in planning a weekend, email me! I can detailΒ a few of our favorite stops.
5. New fall recipes.Β If you follow me on Pinterest you’ve probably noticed that I’m always pinning new recipes to try. I’m excited to make Apple Cider Cinnamon Buns, Cinnamon Bun Waffles, Spiced Butternut Squash and Apple Soup,Β Pumpkin Spice Baked Oatmeal, Mini Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin MuffinsΒ and Pumpkin Spice Marshmallow Popcorn.
6. Host a Holiday DIYΒ Flower Bouquet Class! I’ve always wanted to learn how to assemble the perfect bouquet at home, whether it be for our own use, a hostess gift or beyond. I plan on teaming up with a local floral design company and I’d love to open this up to 20-25 readersΒ {there would be a small ticket price to include flowers, champagne and sweet treats}. Would you be interested?
7.Β Re-define my wardrobe. I’ve had a lot of time to look at the clothes hanging in my closet over the last few months and not purchasing anything for myself has made me realize what I’ve been missing or the direction I’d like to take my wardrobe as a new mom. Simple, classic, feminine, comfortable and effortless. A few must-have’s on my list: a classic pair of flats, a silk white shirt, skinny jeans, a navy blazer, a turtleneck sweater, suede booties, a classic tote bag, red lipstick, a chambray shirt, a plaid scarf and a tailored top coat.
8. Enjoy time with my family. I can’t tell you how anxious I am to meet our baby. It feels like we are so, so close {my due date is on Saturday!}. I’m starting to get really uncomfortable and anxious for labor to begin but also nervous at the same time. Any mom’s out there have any tips? Every movement in my belly feels like a surge of excitement hoping it turns into a contraction {ha, I’ll regret saying this}.
What are you most excited for this fall? Can you believe we are almost into October? Time is so fleeting these days. I’m trying to hang onto every little moment.
Photo by Heather Talbert.