Growing up in New England I’ve been blessed (although sometimes I would consider it a curse) to experience all four seasons. As for my favorite season, it has always been a close tie between fall and summer for me. How could I not love summer? With the hot nights barbecuing with family and friends, the early mornings catching a sunrise on the beach, and the overall relaxing feel, I definitely can’t complain! But then when fall comes around I’m reminded of the crisp morning air, the seasonal spirit, and lots of yummy autumn treats!

Where am I going with all of this though? Living in Connecticut all my life, aside from four years in the mountains of Virginia for college, I think as much as I loved fall it was something that I took for granted. I now am aware of all these bloggers flying across the country to go “leaf peeping” or on “foliage trips” and I almost can’t believe it. In New England we take vacations to the tropics and out west for skiing, but I’d never go out of my way to go on a vacation for leaves…but obviously that’s my biased perspective. Why go on vacation when I can just go out in my backyard? I think that after over twenty years my excitement dulled.

That’s why I am intent on making sure I appreciate this fall to the fullest! Why is it that it’s considered embarrassing or dare I say “basic” (whatever that even means!) to embrace autumn? Why shouldn’t we go apple picking or pumpkin patching (ha, I just made that up) or enjoy spiced cinnamon drinks and ciders? There’s nothing wrong with living in the present, and while I think I’ve been living in the present I don’t think I’ve done a good job of appreciating the present. So let’s change that!

This past weekend my mom and I ventured back up to the cute little town of Redding, CT (where I grew up) to catch up with some family friends. Afterwards I dragged, yes I mean dragged, my mom out to the reservoir because I wanted to appreciate the fall foliage, something I’d lost attention to over time. I am so glad I made the stop, and my mom was too; the views were amazing! I couldn’t believe my mom had never been to this cute little overlook after living in Redding for 15 years. Over time we began taking these views for granted, is it really that special if it is only 3 minutes from our front door? The answer is yes, obviously! Check it out for yourself, more pictures and all my outfit details below! 

jacket: Patagonia • leggings: Lululemon (old, similar here) • sneakers: New Balance (currently on sale!)• sunglasses: RayBan • tanktop: New Balance x J.Crew (currently on sale!)

the scoop: I’m wearing a size xs in this Patagonia Nano Puff and still have plenty of room for a chunky sweater or sweatshirt. I think I’ve said this before, but I still cannot believe how warm it is! It’s magic! // These leggings are from Lululemon and they are oooooold, but I have to say they are still in great condition, reason #1 why it pays to invest! // tank top is from New Balance x J Crew, which is a great line of athletic attire! // these are my running sneakers and they are from New Balance, obviously everyone’s foot is different, but I have a higher arch and need a good amount of support. These do the trick. // Andddd my trusted RayBan sunglasses, you really can’t go wrong with these aviators, I love the ombre effect of my lenses.  

What are your thoughts on embracing seasonal festivities? Have you ever planned a fall foliage trip? If so, I’d love to hear about it!