As we all know, college applications season is in full swing, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve still got a good bit of work left to go. It can be stressful, time consuming, and scary – everything is new, and it seems like there’s always more: more to do, more to edit, more to improve. 

During these times, when it’s so easy to get caught up in  the stress, I think it’s important that we look for and embrace moments of joy – to, once in a while, slow down and take in the beauty life has to offer. That said, here’s some things I’ve enjoyed, and things I’m looking forward to, between the start of the school year and the January 1st deadline. 

 

What I’ve enjoyed thus far:

 

The pretty leaves: Fall isn’t exactly my favorite season – I can’t stand the cold, which is a problem since I love being outside. However, if there is one thing I love about fall, it’s the hues. Especially when the sky is clear and bright blue, the colors of the leaves pop. When you’re out walking or driving, spend some time taking in the colors. 

  

 

Seasonal products: I will be the first to admit that I love fall seasonal products – apple cider, pumpkin spice flavored everything, caramel apples… the list goes on. For me, I think this seasonal-food consumerism serves as something to look forward to every year. Even though the weather is cooling and the days are getting shorter, at least I can buy pumpkin spice creamer and stock up on autumn-scented candles at Target. Currently, my favorite seasonal products are apple cider donuts! 

 

Pumpkins: Pumpkins are pretty cool. Other than pumpkin-flavored foods, I love going to pumpkin patches, decorating our house with random gourds, and of course, pumpkin carving! I thoroughly enjoy the activity and time spent with my loved ones, even if the quality of my creations are questionable. 

 

Halloween: Halloween was just a few days ago! Of course, I had to drive around to look at the cool Halloween decorations in our area; my favorite was probably a vampire Stitch. I didn’t go out this year, but it was really fun seeing all the kids dressed up, and quite nostalgic as well. The inflatable costumes were probably my favorite – I saw the classic inflatable dinosaur, an inflatable fire-breathing dragon, and an inflatable shark. Though I didn’t dress up this year, here are a few of my past favorites: 

   

 

What I’m looking forward to:

 

Daylight savings: I’m looking forward to this Sunday, where I can get an extra hour of sleep and wake up to a brighter sky in the mornings. 

 

Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving is great – a well-placed break from school, an opportunity to socialize with family and friends, and of course, food. I like to cook, so I find Thanksgiving to be a time to destress and try various recipes. Something fun I did last year was decorating these gingerbread turkeys (from Trader Joe’s) with my brother. 

 

Snow! Though I’m not a fan of cold weather, I am a HUGE fan of snow. There’s nothing like waking up and seeing everything outside blanketed in white, or walking outside and hearing nothing but the crunching of snow under your feet. Snow makes the world brighter, calmer, and somehow, quieter. It’s beautiful. 

 

Winter activities: Of course, with snow comes all the fun winter activities – building snowmen (or digging tunnels), snowball fights, sledding, skiing, and more! Whenever there’s more than 6 inches of snowfall, you will most probably find me outside doing one of the above. Hopefully, we’ll be able to go on a ski trip this year, but if not, I’ll be perfectly content playing in the yard with my dog. She’s a puppy, so she’s only seen snow a few times. I hope she loves it as much as I do!

    

 

The Holiday Season: I adore the holiday season. I love putting up our Christmas tree, ornaments, and wreaths, hanging stockings on the fireplace, and hanging up festive lights outside. I love driving around and finding the houses completely decked out in lights, or seeing the streets lined with trees so bright they’re blinding. I love snuggling on my couch with a cup of hot cocoa, watching our Christmas tree’s lights as they flicker against the dark backdrop and flurries of snow outside. For these few weeks of the year, I listen to holiday music, wear chunky-knit sweaters, and rewatch Home Alone for the hundredth time. 

 

 

Photography: If you can’t tell from the pictures strewn throughout the post, I love taking pictures and documenting life through my camera. Fall and winter provide endless photo opportunities, and I’m excited to make more memories. 

 

 

Overall, right now is undeniably a stressful period, and I think everyone probably feels some level of burnt out, overwhelmed, and unsure. Because of this, I think it’s especially important to remember what we’re grateful for and what makes us happy. I hope that during these times, all of us can find aspects of our lives that spark joy and excitement.