Now that we are officially in September, and as you all know, fall is not just one of my favorite seasons - it’s my FAVE! There’s something magical about that crisp air, the burst of color from the leaves, and, of course, the opportunity to swap out summer’s pastels for the rich tones of autumn (hello, mustard yellows and deep burgundies!). But beyond just the fashion (we’ll get to that), it’s the perfect time to dive into some family-friendly activities that celebrate everything fall has to offer. Whether you’re trying to get the kids off their screens or create some Pinterest-worthy moments, I’ve got you covered with my favorite ways to make the most of this season.

Let me just say, I’ve always thought of apple picking as the ultimate fall fashion opportunity. Think cozy sweaters, cute boots, and that perfect scarf. The reality, though? You're 20 minutes in, and suddenly your “casual yet totally intentional” look is covered in apple juice, dirt, and what *might* be a bug squished on your jeans (true story - last year my toddler decided to collect worms in my designer bag because “they wanted to come home with us”).

Despite the chaos, apple picking is *always* a hit with the kids. They love the adventure, and let’s be real - there’s nothing like a warm apple pie that you can proudly say is made from fruit you picked yourself. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some education about nature without them realizing they’re learning (mom hack 101).

Confession: Every year I think I’m going to carve this Martha Stewart-level pumpkin, and every year I end up with something that looks like it came straight out of a horror movie (and not in a good way). But that’s the beauty of pumpkin carving! It’s not about perfection; it’s about the process - and if that process includes half the pumpkin guts ending up on your kitchen floor, so be it.

Pro tip: Set up an outdoor carving station if you can. That way, when the kids inevitably turn the event into a pumpkin-gut-throwing competition (been there), clean-up is a breeze. And don’t forget to save the seeds for roasting - sprinkled with a little sea salt, they’re the perfect fall snack.

As much as I love a good outdoor adventure, let’s face it: there are days when the weather is just too chilly to deal with. Enter: fall crafts. Whether it’s making leaf garlands, painting pine cones, or creating paper pumpkins, there’s something about autumn that brings out the DIY queen in me.

Last week, we decided to make handprint turkeys (yes, the classic). I thought it would be a sweet, bonding moment with the kids, but within minutes, it looked like an art supply store exploded in my dining room. My daughter decided that her turkey *needed* glitter, and not just a sprinkle - an entire jar. So now, I’ll be finding glitter in my hair, on my phone, and in places I didn’t even think possible for the next six months. But honestly, the pride on their little faces when they see their creations? Totally worth it.

One of my favorite things to do as a family is take a simple walk through the neighborhood or park to admire the fall foliage. I like to pretend it’s a casual stroll, but really, it’s just an excuse to show off a chic fall jacket. Plus, it's free therapy - nature has a way of grounding us all (especially after a morning of crafting chaos).

Pro tip for moms: Don’t forget to bring snacks (because kids are basically hungry every 12 minutes). A thermos of hot chocolate and some homemade apple chips can turn an ordinary walk into a cozy fall adventure.

Now, if I’ve learned anything in my years as a mom, it’s that kids love to “help” in the kitchen. (And by help, I mean lick the spoon and spill flour everywhere.) But baking is one of my favorite ways to spend a chilly afternoon. Whether we’re making pumpkin muffins, apple crisps, or cinnamon rolls, the house smells amazing, and the kids are always so proud of what they’ve created.

Just last weekend, we decided to bake a pie. I thought it would be a lovely bonding experience - until my son mistook salt for sugar and we ended up with what can only be described as a “savory” dessert. But hey, we laughed it off, and now we’ve got a family inside joke about “the great salt pie of 2024.”

The thing about fall (and motherhood) is that it’s never going to be picture-perfect. There will be messes, meltdowns, and moments where you wonder if it’s all worth the effort. But then you look back at the memories - your toddler’s face smeared with apple pie filling, the pumpkin guts still stuck to the porch, the glitter that’s become a permanent part of your life - and you realize, yes. Yes, it absolutely is.

So throw on that scarf, grab your coffee (or let’s be real, wine), and dive headfirst into fall. It’s chaotic, messy, and utterly beautiful - just like motherhood.

xoxo