For some, the thought of saying goodbye to summer is bittersweet, but for fall lovers like me, it's more like, "Move over, summer - hello, fall!" There’s just something about the crisp air, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin-spiced everything that makes my heart skip a beat. And what better way to usher in the season than by filling your home with the warm, inviting scents of early fall?

Ah, early fall - the season that feels like a warm hug wrapped in your coziest blanket. It’s the magical time when the air is crisp but not too cold, leaves start to show off their new wardrobe, and the scent of pumpkin spice lattes is already teasing you from every coffee shop within a five-mile radius. If you’re anything like me, a mom with a love for all things cozy and chic, you’re probably itching to bring that autumn magic indoors. I’m talking candles, essential oils, and yes, even DIY potpourri (trust me, it’s easier than it sounds).

Now, before you roll your eyes at the thought of yet another Pinterest-inspired craft that promises to keep the kids entertained for approximately 7 minutes, let me tell you - I’ve been there. Picture this: a rainy Sunday afternoon, my two little tornadoes (I mean children) running around, the dog barking at absolutely nothing, and me trying to zen out by lighting a candle that smells like a fall farmer's market. It was in that moment I realized that scent is my superpower. It’s the secret weapon that transforms my home from a chaos zone into a cozy retreat - even if only for a few blissful minutes. And the best part? You don’t need a lot of time or money to make it happen.

Let’s start with candles because, honestly, who doesn’t love a good candle? They’re the ultimate mood setters. My go-to scent for early fall is anything with notes of apple, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla. It’s like baking a pie without the mess or calories (and let’s be real, without the kids fighting over who gets to lick the spoon).

I keep a stash of these candles in every room, ready to be lit the second the kids go down for their nap. There’s something almost magical about the way a flickering flame can calm my nerves after a long day of playing referee between a toddler and a preschooler. If you’re feeling fancy, try layering your scents - light an apple-scented candle alongside one with cedarwood or sandalwood for that perfect balance of sweet and earthy. It’s like a hug from Mother Nature herself.

If you’re looking for something a bit more versatile (and spill-proof, because, well, kids), essential oils are where it’s at. A few drops of essential oils in a diffuser can transport you straight to a cabin in the woods - minus the bug bites and questionable Wi-Fi. I’m all about those warm, grounding scents for fall: think clove, orange, and ginger. You can mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle to mist your linens, or better yet, add a few drops to your bath and pretend you’re not hiding from your family for 20 minutes.

Here’s a little trick I learned the hard way - essential oils and kids don’t always mix. Let’s just say, diffusing peppermint oil while your toddler is around might result in them doing laps around the house at warp speed. So, I stick to calming blends like lavender and chamomile during the day and save the more invigorating ones for post-bedtime me-time.

Next on the list - the surprisingly easy craft you’ll actually want to make - DIY potpurri. Okay, I know what you’re thinking. DIY potpourri? Who has time for that? But trust me, if I can do it with two kids underfoot, you can too. Plus, it’s a fun way to get them involved without giving them sugar or glitter. All you need are some dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves. Throw them in a bowl, and boom - you’ve got yourself a fragrant, festive decoration that looks as good as it smells.

The best part? You can make this while pretending it’s a sensory activity for the kids. Just tell them they’re helping “create fall magic,” and watch them get way too excited about cinnamon sticks. Meanwhile, you get to enjoy a kitchen that smells like Martha Stewart herself dropped by to bake a pie.

There you have it—a few simple, stylish ways to bring the scents of early fall into your home. Whether you’re a candle junkie like me, a mom who swears by essential oils, or someone who’s brave enough to try their hand at DIY potpourri, there’s no wrong way to make your space feel autumn-ready.

Just remember, the key to surviving motherhood with your sanity (mostly) intact is finding those little moments of joy—even if they come from something as simple as a candle that smells like apple pie. So light that candle, drop those oils, and let the scent of fall wrap you up in its cozy embrace. And when the kids ask why the house smells so good, just smile and say, “It’s fall magic, my darlings.” They don’t need to know that your magic comes in a jar.

Now, go on and fill your home with the scents of the season. You’ve earned it, mama. And maybe, just maybe, this will be the year you finally make it to Halloween without eating all the candy before the 31st… But if not, there’s always next fall!

xoxo