Fall Makes Me Happy
Simple as that.
The happiness train of fall left the tracks last night when I bought this Cinnamon Spice candle on sale at the mall. I raced home, lit it next to my bed, felt the cool wind blow through the windows, cuddled in my bed with my laptop (reading blogs, obv) and sipped on Pumpkin Spice Tea. Choo choo to fall!
There is no better smell than a cinnamon candle on a cool fall day…Mama Everythingtarian will vouch for me on that.
The train then entered extremely happyville when I devoured this breakfast oh so early this morning (which was enjoyed under the warm covers of my bed)…
1/3 cup oats
2/3 cup brewed Pumpkin Spice tea
1/2 cup pumpkin
drizzle of agave
cinnamon, ginger + nutmeg
2 tbsp. dark chocolate chips
1 1/2 tbsp. peanut butter
Worst thing ever. I literally had to choke down the bowl. (*ahem* sarcasm *ahem*)
My walk to work was glorious. The cool wind was blowing; I had a scarf around my neck; it was a chilly 52 degrees; I was carrying a warm cuppa joe; and my face was plastered with a goofy smile the whole time. Have I mentioned I LOVE fall?
Trail mix also reminds me of fall – especially when the trail mix train contains cranberries, raisins, almonds + pistachios.
I forgot one of the best fall-themed parts of my day: I wore a tights + boots to work! Again, fall makes me happy.
Yesterday, I concocted a lil’ recipe per the advice of Brandi. I told her I had a can of coconut milk to use up, and she recommended Kath’s recipe for Coconut Cauliflower Chana. I followed the directions, except for the fact I halved it and substituted more sweet potatoes + cauliflower because I had no carrots, bell pepper or chickpeas.
This was most certainly eaten last night for dinner, as well as for lunch today…
The afternoon was spent doin’ work, snacking on blue corn tortilla chips + celery + hummus + a banana (not all together) and leaving work early. Why am I leaving work early yet again?
For more work. No lie.
I had a group interview to work part-time retail through the holidays (another reason I love fall: the best holidays are right around the corner). Yours truly could use some extra cash, and the fact that I will get a killer clothes discount doesn’t hurt either. Cross your fingers for me – mama needs to pay some bills!
Dinner was quick: egg + pepperjack cheese sammie on an Ezekiel English muffin with a sliced apple.
The fall train ended the day with a cuppa Pumpkin Spice Tea. I am sipping it now, smiling like a big goof and wearing slippers and a huge oversize sweatshirt. If I get motivated to crawl out of bed, I may hop on the mat for some yoga, but let’s not push it people.
What is your absolute favorite thing about fall? Mine is fall walks – there is something so fresh and romantic about walking in the cool, crisp air. I know, total dork.
Tags: apple, cheese, eggs, oatmeal, pumpkin, rice, trail mix, yam
September 28th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Mmmm all things pumpkin! Bread and beer especially! And apple picking, cool nights for sleeping, restaurants that have wood ovens and outdoor seating with fleece blankets and fire pits. . . its a magical season!
September 28th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
What is this pumpkin tea?!?!?! I need to find it ASAP!!
I will be thinking about you this weekend while you are running a marathon and being super productive….cocktails for me begin at 11 AM for the big Gopher – Badger show-down.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Holly – fall is my favourite season too, it smells so so so good. It’s already quite chilly in Toronto
September 28th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
I’d love to share in your enthusiasm but I’ve been told I’ll be fined 100 buckeroonies for each candle they find in my room. The toaster I’ll take the risk on, the candles not so much. I feel like I should get some pumpkin scratch and sniff cards to make it better around here
September 28th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Me too! I’m going to light a nice candle right now. I was feeling stressed and this post made me feel a lot better
September 28th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
you are so fricken adorable. have i told you that?? if not, trust me you are! Fall was totally in full force today, not exactly the best of ways (rain and wind, def not a curly girls dream) but it was wonderful! I love wearing tights and boots!
I’m pretty sure i’ll be coming over for breakfast tomorrow, followed by a romantic walk outside. hope ya don’t mind girl!
Hope ur night is awesome!
September 28th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Fall is my favorite season too! I’m going to need to find this pumpkin tea! Those oats look fabulous!
September 28th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
I love Fall, but I hate the winter that follows! My favorite thing about fall is definitely the fact that I get to break out my favorite long sleeve shirts and sweaters for the first time!
September 28th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
okay, I need pumpkin FAST! I need some pumpkin oats in my life again.
i hear ya about fall. I love it. Everything. The chill in the morning. Wearing thick, soft sweaters and scarves. The changing leaves. Hot cocoa. Carving pumpkins.
Glad you like the chana!!! I’m lovin’ mine too
September 28th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
I love football game days when the air is crisp, the leaves are colorful, and the sky is perfectly blue! I LOVE FALL
September 28th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Yankee Candle = BEST candles out there.
Favorite thing about fall = the changing colors of the leaves.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Fall makes me uneasy. Can’t say it is my most fav. season……at all! Just a lot of stressful skating memories you know? Beg of the season= meltdowns!!
I love that you used pumpkin spice tea in your eats. That seriously looks OUT OF THIS WORLD.
And curry! What could be better!!
I’m sorry you’ve been working your arse off! I hope you can get some rest this evening!!
Love you mama!
September 28th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I think my favorite thing about fall is the weather. Early morning runs in the crisp, cool air is one of the best things imaginable.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Man I need to get some canned pumpkin! Love the fall-ness of this post. Fall is awesome!!
<3 jess
xoxo
September 28th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
The colours!! There are some absolutely gorgeous spots around here where it’s just a sea of vibrant leaves. I could do without the weather though, especially when it starts to show hints of winter!
September 28th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
My favorite thing has got to be apple picking and pumpkin carving. I am a total dork too
September 28th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Today I enjoyed some nice, hoodie wearing weather and ate 2 crsipy, perfect apples. My favorite fall things.
September 28th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Your oatmeal creations have been out of this wooooorld lately…they’re making me drool all over my keyboard. I’m afraid it might short circuit!
Hmmm fave things about Fall – cooking in sweats with my kitchen door open and the cool air coming in, Honeycrisp apples, apple crisp made with said HC apples and the smell of bonfires…
September 28th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Fall is the best! I love pumpkin picking, apple picking, and just the cool weather and delicious smells bring a nice feeling! Plus it means it’s getting closer to my birthday
Oats look delicious as usual!
September 28th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
woah woah…pumpkin spice tea!? ah that sounds awesome!! i think fall honestly may be my favorite season. i love the smells i love the weather i love the food i just love it all!!! it gives you such a warm feeling inside
6 dayssss
September 28th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
i really love fall too – i love all the transitional seasons…i don’t even know if that’s a term, but that’s what i call ‘em – fall and spring…
September 28th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Hey lady!
Minus the spice candle.. I got you matched right now! Blankie, blogs, laptop, and cuddled up in bed! Feels sooo good (unlike the outside superwindycold weather).
So I don’t know if you read my last couple posts or not, but I may or may not be running TC. I just wanted to know what kind of pace you’re planning on running? If I do end up running, I definitely wont be racing. Of everyone I know doing it, there are like 4 different pace groups.. so I’m just trying to keep options open.
September 28th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
I want it to get cold enough to wear a scarf on my way to work! Boo!
(Oh wait, I don’t walk to work.) Well, now I want to walk to work! NO FAIR, you make it sound so GLAMOROUS!
September 28th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
those oats look absolutely amazing. so perfect and fluffy and the color is beautiful!!!!
I am going to have to try and copy that sometime soon, once I stock up on the pumpkin goodness.
Tomorrow I am totally having an egg sandwich on those FFL english muffins. Those are my fav!
September 28th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Okay, I will admit it, I have actually come to love fall. (My favorite season is summer. So it took me a while to get over the fact that summer was over…). Well, it’s still quite warm where I’m, but when I walked to my office this morning before 7 it was actually cool… It was nice. Plus the toddler was born in fall…
I have also grown to love pumpkin (which I used to not like at all). So now pumpkin anything is my favorite thing about fall. I’ll have to look for some pumpkin spice tea…
September 28th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
You are such an oats genius! I literally put that recipe on my to-do list for this week! Yeah, I am cool like that.
VeggieGirl and I also share your love of scented candles:)
September 28th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
Oh my gosh! The day you do your marathon.. it’s gonna be EPIC!!! I am so excited for the post-marathon post
Let’s see.. fave thing about fall? scarves, turning leaves, winter squashes, HALLOWEEN, I just want to be toasty and comfy
I dunno.. fall just seems so soothing to the soul.
p.s. major props to your friend on the Sundae bar! Genius!
September 28th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
My favorite thing about fall is the transition of seasons. I love to watch as the leaves change color and the people change wardrobes.
September 28th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
You know what makes me happy? You and this post! For some reason, I am having a hard time adjusting to the fall. I used to love it, but something feels off this year! I will be reading your posts religiously to pull myself out of my season funk!
Oh my oats! It’s 1:19 am and you have me starving for those!
My favorite thing about fall…my favorite seasons are coming up and I get to wear sweaters, boots and scarves! And listen to Christmas music soon!!
September 29th, 2009 at 1:57 am
I have just spent a half an hour scrolling through your posts and have barely made a dent! My husband just said, “Are you still AWAKE?!” I love your blog, and I’m sorry I haven’t visited earlier…I’ll be back!
September 29th, 2009 at 3:58 am
Peanut butter pumpkin oats is SO the best way to wake up
September 29th, 2009 at 5:35 am
AHHHH I love fall too!!! Actually obsessed with it!!! Cool, brisk walks, coffee, tea, scarves, HALLOWEEN, and then the leaves change colors and it is THANKSGIVING (!!!!!), and then CHRISTMAS! AMAZE!
YOU GON ROCK DA ‘THON
LOOVELOVE
September 29th, 2009 at 6:16 am
Oh em geeeee. Those oats–I am bookmarking this page NOW to add to me breakfast list. Yum! For some reason the pics aren’t coming up in my browser–what kind/brand of tea is the pumpkin spice and where are you finding it. I MUST try it! Hope you have another lovely fall day
xoxo
September 29th, 2009 at 6:45 am
The warm cozy clothes are always my favorite thing about the cooler weather! And cinnamon definitely reminds me of fall. Loves it!
September 29th, 2009 at 7:00 am
Fall is my favourite season… Everything is so crisp and fresh. I love stomping on leave and being bundled up in a scarf and warm coat without being too cold
And the abundance of apples and pumpkin things 
Good luck with the job interview!
September 29th, 2009 at 7:07 am
I HAD to go light a candle! You are not a dork because there is something romantic about cool walks and looking at the leaves changing.
Holy yummy looking bowl of oatmeal Batman!!!
September 29th, 2009 at 7:11 am
I totally agree with you – talking a nice walk outdoors in the fall is the best! Fall is so pretty. I also love apple picking and enjoying a warm mug of apple cider!
September 29th, 2009 at 8:24 am
Hopping aboard that fall train! Did you hear there is a shortage of pumpkin pure though!??! No joke, at least in Maryland.
September 29th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Holler! You are making me feel better about this COLD. I biked to work today in the 43 frickin degree cold and had numb fingers by the end of my journey. GRRR. It better not be that cold on Sunday. I am crossing fingers and toes for 55 degrees. That would be perfect.
Annnywho. Your cuddly day sounds perfect. I haven’t busted out the tights yet but I did bust out the boots yesterday. I need a new pair (as you know)…there may be a celebratory trip to H&M on Monday post-race…hurray for autumn threads!
Love you and your warm and lovely bowls of oats loving.xxx
September 29th, 2009 at 9:17 am
I just bought some festive scented candles too! I’m still looking for that pumpkin spice tea though!
September 29th, 2009 at 9:30 am
AHHHH thanks for taking us along your crisp cool walk to work!
my job is 40 miles from home. I sip my coffee in my car..boo
I could turn up the ac though!
it’s still hot here too…so Fall is coming…the sky is bluer and the daylight is changing…the sunset is oranger….
I love it all….I am with you…FALL is the BEST SEASON EVER
September 29th, 2009 at 9:43 am
I’m not quite the lover of fall that you are. But I am happy that you’re happy
I hope the interview went well.
September 29th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Loved this post!
Fall makes me SO happy!
It’s still pretty warm in San Diego but I did manage to find a Pumkin Spice scented diffuser to get the house smelling sooo wonderful!
September 29th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Oh my lordy, those oats! GENIUS brewing them in pumpkin tea.
I love Fall, too. Mostly because I still feel like a little kid and get excited about my birthday and Halloween… what’s better than cake, candy and dress-up?
September 29th, 2009 at 10:13 am
yankee candles, pumpkin oats, trail mix OH MY!! i love fall too, best season EVER! the weather is getting fall like here, just in time for my bday! the world works in magical ways.
i always find pumpkin spice tea to be disappointing, did you find a good brand?
September 29th, 2009 at 10:49 am
I love everything about fall! I’m such a whore for the seasonal candles too – I can’t NOT buy them! In fact, I’m breathing in some ‘Ember’ right now
September 29th, 2009 at 11:42 am
haha love your sarcasm. i overuse carrie bradshaw’s sarcastic comment of “it’s hideous. i hate it. it hurts my eyes” from the satc movie.
you make me want to eat up that coconut cauliflower chana despite the fact that i’ve never even eaten indian food. i think you might pop my indian food cherry!
September 29th, 2009 at 11:55 am
i luuurrrrrrrrve fall! and you. and fall is just so fabulous because of the beautiful colors on all the trees and the nip in the air and the excitement of winter arriving! mmm pumpkin oats. beauty in a bowl. well, i guess now it is beauty in holly’s belly
oxoxoxoxo
September 29th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
I love fall walking too, all the changing colors are amazing! I also like cold mornings that makes my bed specially attractive! And finally pumpkin of course!
September 29th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Love all the pumpkin-themed food and drinks! My favorite thing about fall is taking long walks through Central Park all bundled up with a sweater, scarf, and a hot beverage.
p.s. I’ve had a can of coconut milk in my pantry for over a year….time to make some coconut cauliflower chana.
September 29th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
that sounds like a perfect fall evening!
jenna
September 29th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
I can’t help but smile when I think about pumpkin and apples and cinnamon and scarves and boots and football games. Why can’t it be fall year round?
<3 love you tons and tons Hollybear!
September 30th, 2009 at 9:26 am
[...] by Holly’s drool-worthy oatmeal concoctions, I attempted to have a little fun with my [...]
October 1st, 2009 at 1:29 am
I know this is your intention, but this post just REEKS fall!!!! I love it
Have you told us what kind of Pumpkin Spice Tea that is?! I need it, I want itttt.
And I want that bowl of oatmeal. Oooh it will be so sweet when I make my first batch of (CHOCOLATE-Y) pumpkin oats, while home over Thanksgiving break!
And agreed. Crisp post-dinner walks are my fave. Well, especially during the christmas time! I love lookin’ at all the house lights with my mama, aww.
LOVE YA HOLLY! xooo, time for this girl to hit the hay.