22 Very Random (But Very Cozy) Little Things That I am Loving This Autumn
Unpopular opinion (and probably a v weird way to open up this blog post), buuuuuut…I really don’t like the season of fall. 🤭 (Don’t throw your pumpkin spiced candle at me plz!!!!)
Okay, okay, it’s not that I don’t like fall on its own (those leaves! cozy sweaters! hot tea 24/7!), but it’s just that I LOVE summer so much and always grieve the ending of my favorite season a bit. 😢 My barefoot, solar-powered soul looooves those simple, sunny days: beachfront swims, barefoot walks, camping trips, picnics by the shore, boat rides with family, and carefree days. But even though I will miss these sacred warm days, I know in my heart that the reason summer does feel so magical *is* because it is temporary. It reminds me that I am able to tap into the innate wisdom + energy + pace of each season in its own way, including fall.
Soooooo today on the blog, I am rounding up 22 rituals, products, and little things that are helping me lean into the goodness of fall—all the hygge, cozy, and productive vibes. Why specifically 22? Because 1) it’s my favorite number, 2) Autumnal Equinox just happened on September 22, and 3) because I jotted down this list and there just so happened to be 22 items (ha!).
From #1 alllll the way to #22, I hope this little list brings you new ideas for comfort + peace in this fall season.
Ya ready? Let’s do this thang!
1. matching pajama sets:
I mean…who doesn’t love an adorable lounge set? Especially in the grounding season of fall. Personally, I’m all about eco-friendly linen sets—not only is linen one of the most sustainable fabrics, but can you wear these pieces both around the house AND out-and-about in public. So versatile! So cozy! So fall-y! I just bought this specific set for polished loungewear, but you can browse alllll of the dreamy, homemade linen PJ options here.
Also…another recommendation for a cozy matching set: after eyeing it up forever, I finaaaaally splurged on this matching pajama sweater set. It is SO cozy and I am obsesssssed. PRO TIP: While my normal size fits just fine, it’s a bit baggier than expected and I would size down if I could buy it again. But! Still so obsessed. Absolutely perfect for lazy autumn days at home! It’s a lil spendy, but it is genuinely the comfiest thing in my closet at the moment.
2. this specific brand of glass storage jars:
Ahhhhh Weck jars. The perfect storage for, welp, everything. From smoothies to beverages allllll the way to saving your summer garden goodies or leftover fall feasts: soups, salads, savory sauces, I use them for everything! This size and this size are my fave!
3. a record player to create a cozy ambiance:
Okay, okay—we use our record player every single day year round so I thought I’d share it here, because WHAT better time to stay in + cozy up with music than on a relaxing fall evening???? Picture it—looking at the bright fall leaves, sipping tea, and cuddling up with easy tunes filling the room. *swoon* Our vinyl totally sets the mood for whatever energy we are trying to cultivate: quiet acoustic in the morning, easy tunes in the afternoon, maybe some jazzy oldies while we cook dinner. Simple bliss! It totally changes the energy of a room. Adam bought me this for Valentine’s day 4 years ago (such a good gift idea) and we’ve used it on the daily ever since.
In case you’re curious, we got our record player here (most are under $100). You can see a photo of our sweet lil vinyl in the image below. :) Perfect for fall…but, honestly, it’s perfect for creating a cozy home ambiance 365 days per year.
4. a loose leaf tea ritual
You all know I’m a tea lover, but up to this point, I pretty much always used pre-made tea satchels. But lately I have been LOVING making loose leaf brews. The entire process is so grounding—boiling the water, scooping the herbs, letting it steep. *ahhhh* One of the most hygge-rific moments of each day! Personally, I have a specific homemade tea steeping set (similar to this) that I use every time—but you could also just use a simple tea strainer like this one that could work with any mug!
PRO TIP: Treat this process like a mini meditation. Reeeeaaallly tune into the process of making your tea + give yourself the mental space to really savor the simple bliss of the moment. I covered this in my “6-Step Mindful Eating Ritual” blog post, but the same principles apply to making a cuppa tea—it may be an ordinary moment, but you can choose to upgrade it into a grounding, intentional experience.
5. an electric tea kettle:
Also…if you are tea lover and have not yet invested in an electric tea kettle yet…SISTER. You need one. It’s game changing + so easy. Fill it up and in just a minute or so you’ll have piping hot water ready to go! I personally noticed that I started drinking a looooot more tea once I invested in a kettle—there’s no stove hassle and no need to unnecessarily microwave. I cannot find our specific electric kettle, but here is one that is super similar. I also thought these two (option 1 and option 2) were suuuuuuper cute + sleek. Basically, long story short: an electric tea kettle is a must for all my fellow hot bevvie lovers! You will not regret it.
6. this grounding mindfulness ritual:
As I mentioned, switching from summer to fall can impact my emotions. Whenever I'm feeling scattered and ungrounded, I take a moment to to focus in on my senses and ask myself 5 simple questions to bring me back to the present moment:
What are 5 things I can see right now?
What are 4 things I can feel right now?
What are 3 things I can hear right now?
What are 2 things I can smell right now?
What is 1 thing I can taste right now?
The beauty of this ritual is that it can be done anytime, anywhere—and it is soooo quick + effective. It takes less than 30 seconds but I can instantly feel my breathing slow, my muscles relax, and my mind feel a little bit more focused + engaged—all this by being an active participant in the moment and not passively living it.
7. reading for fun (gasp!)
Mmmmm, the coziness of fall: the perfect setting to curl up with a good book! Honesty hour: for a few years there I was pretty much exclusively reading self-help books or nitty gritty health-focused reads in the name of “being productive” with every single read. Buuuuut early last year I realized that not every book has to be “productive,” Kate. Reading for joy, pleasure, and relaxation is reason enough! Sooooo while I am still loving all my self-help + spirituality books on the reg (a reminder that you can find alllll of my favorite books listed here), there are a few fiction books that I’ve read recently downloaded to my Kindle that I got absolutely lost in:
The Last of The Moon Girls by Barbara Davis (not done with this yet, but in the middle and LOVING it!)
8. this eco-friendly sweatpant jogger set:
You all know Girlfriend is my favorite eco-conscious brand for workout gear. While I was already head over heels obsessed with their biker shorts and sports bras (if you haven’t listened to me yet—the Paloma Bra is the world’s best sports bra…IYKYK), they just released sweatsuits made of recycled plastic + organic cotton. I got the army green set and I am OBSESSED. Perfect for fall.
9. using [nontoxic] scents to create a cozy home environment:
OPTION 1: For it to feel like fall it has to *smell* like fall, you with me? This autumn home scent collection is my fave for creating a cozy, inviting energy in your house…without the use of toxic, chemical-filled candles you are getting from Anthro or Bath + Body. This collection is alllll-natural, completely nontoxic, and smells like a dream. The wild orange is bright + energizing while the cinnamon and cardamom notes make it instantly grounding + cozy. It’s so unique and lovely!
OPTION 2: Another scent that instantly grounds + centers me is the palo santo collection. I use the roller ball on my wrists and temples for a little energetic shift and I loooove the palo santo room spray for our bedroom—it has such a soothing, relaxing energy and it’s perfect for fall! You can grab it here and save 10% with the code KATE10!
NOTE: One thing that I just want to share about palo santo in general: PLEEEEASE always ask about the sourcing of your palo santo before you buy. This wellness trend *can* be done in a responsible, right way…but unfortunately, palo santo can often be harvested in ways that are not sustainable, diminish an endangered species, and take advantage of the working conditions of local communities. Thankfully, there ARE companies doing it right! This specific collection is from an Ecuadorian company that incorporates ethical, regenerative practices and sources palo santo from the non-endangered species of palo santo, Bursera graveolens. Not only that, but they are committed to harvesting from only naturally fallen trees and investing back into reforestation by replanting tens of thousands of Palo Santo trees—making it not only sustainable but renewable for the land. Eep! So refreshing to have a company CARE about the environment. Sustainable, responsibly-sourced, annnnnd has the most earthy, calming, beautiful scent. Enjoy!
10. red, red wiiiiiine
It’s officially switched from summer rosé season and now we are in my favorite…cabernet, merlot, and syrah REDDD WIIIIINE season. *happy dance* I get alllll of my wine delivered to my door from nakedwines.com. You can support small vineyards and get delicious wine (that you fully pick + customize) delivered straight to your door. I have used them for over 4 years on my own dollar…and they finaaaallllly gave me a coupon to share with all of you! Get $100 off your first box with this link. :)
11. the daily page planner:
Fall means back to school! I am not only getting my doctorate, but I also work at a college (AKA I am soaking in alllll the freshly-sharpened-pencil, first-day-of-school vibes). Even if you aren’t personally a student, that “back to school” energy can be harnessed for good—there’s just something about this season that makes me want to get organized + get prepared. My go-to planner is this bad boy right here. I’ve gotten so many people hooked and I LOVE it! GAME. CHANGING. Made by a female-owned small business, and every purchase plants a tree! Get organized + feel gooood about it! (Save 10% with the code KATE10)
12. root veggies + seasonal eating:
Fall—give me allllllll the seasonal root + hearty veggies. One of my favorite things about our farm share is the way it’s taught me to eat with the seasons. Gone are the days of the light + fresh meals of summer—now it’s time for grounding, hearty, cozy meals. One of my faves is this butternut squash curry soup recipe. Amazing for hosting! It’s so easy, but still a unique + memorable dish.
13. what i’m wearing this fall (and, um, every other season too…)
You know me—with all things, I like to keep it simple yet effective. Vetta Capsule is my go-to slow fashion brand that makes getting dressed SIMPLE. Pretty much every item of their clothing can be worn multiple ways to maximize versatility! This results in fewer total pieces in your closet because they can mix ’n’ match in sooo many ways. I put this as a fall favorite because I realized that I wore at least SOME piece of Vetta every day this week—to the office, to a presentation, on date night, and to wine night with friends. Safe to say, I live in this brand in fall…and every other season too. :)
Okay, another wardrobe must-have. This is so random, but I wanted to shout out to SOREL Footwear— so cute, so quality, so fall-y. I LOVE SOREL shoes + boots for hiking, long walks, and running errands. These are a Minnesota staple (IYKYK). They are built. to. last. and are simultaneously classic while still being trendy and unique??? Idk, I just love ‘em + have been super impressed with each pair I have!
14. a meditation practice:
Along with the slower pace of fall, I have been craving a slower mental pace as well. A daily meditation practice has been SO impactful for managing my emotions, pausing for reflection, remembering gratitude, and staying grounded through 2020. Even if you just set aside 3–5 minutes every morning to be still, to reflect, to connect with your breath…it truly makes such a world of difference. (Also—I get asked all the time on DMs, but to answer it here—here are the links for my two meditation pillows in the photo below: floor cushion + meditation bolster pillow.)
15. ilia clean makeup:
My job going from fully remote to partially in-person means that I actually have to get ready again (gasp!). However, I am actually low-key loving getting ready becaaaaause I recently discovered ILIA clean makeup, and I am obsessed. I found them in May, and I am STILL blown away each and every time I use these products. You’ve seen the before + afters of me using these products on my instagram story “ilia” highlight—and whewwww, so good.
What do I recommend? While I am obsessed with the bronzer, the highlight, and the color stick and highly highly highly recommend them…the super skin serum tint and mascara are MUST. TRIES. Seriously. You will be 11/10 obsessed from the first use.
16. twitter!
Hi, Kate. Welcome to 2011. While Twitter was allllll the rage in high school and then seemed to fall off the face of the earth…to be honest, I never got over it—I still find it one of the most entertaining + informative social media apps. I have had a personal account forever that I’ll hop onto every so often…but just recently I made The Foundation Blog its very own Twitter account! I have been showing up there almost every day—and I’m having SO much fun with it.
Theeeee most shameless plug, but if you want to follow along with the positive affirmations, integrative health tips, and general holistic self-care goodness, I would absolutely love to have you join the party! My username is kate_eskuri. :) See you there!
17. bringing extra moisture to my skin:
As the air cools + becomes more dry, my skin needs a little extra dose of moisture to stay plump + bright. I’m doing everything within my power from an internal, holistic standpoint (staying hydrated, eating lots of healthy fats, etc.), but I also add in a few extra all-natural products to keep my skin hydrated + glowy:
On my face, I use the plumping serum and mask to keep my skin supple.
I’ll do a few dabs of the baby balm as an eye cream to fight wrinkles + dark undereyes.
On my dry hands, elbows, and feet I use the body butter (almond vanilla is my favorite!).
Annnnnnd on my body, I dry brush every morning to exfoliate and follow up with the blue tansy body oil for the softest skin of my life.
Bonus: you can save 10% on allllll of these with the code KATE10. Enjoy!
18. these clinically-backed herbs
also another random thing I am recently obsessed with that I JUST discovered: hilma. Clinically proven (!!!!) herbs in a pill-form that are designed by doctors and herbalists to add to your at-home pharmacy. FINALLY, an easy, natural way to help with headaches, indigestion, sinus symptoms..… AND backed by research. AKA my dream.
Also, you know me, I am by nooo means anti-medication. Trust me, I’m an RN over here— and medications are powerful. buuuuut if I can relieve pain or solve a symptom with natural remedies, I am ALWAYS going to choose that first and then move to medications …if needed. Hilma makes it SO. EASY. to use natural remedies to solve your everyday problems.
Obviously check with your doctor first, but my own personal experience— I have used the tension relief for my PMS headaches a few times and have been blown away by how well it works (ummmm….byeeee, ibuprofen). Adam has been using their “seasonal support” to help with his fall allergies. We are both SO impressed, and I just really love their mission— naturally-based products *and* backed by data. Eeeee! My dream company! As i do, I badgered them for a coupon for you guys! You can use the code “THEFOUNDATION20” to save 20% on clinically-backed natural supplements. Enjoy!
19. sauna:
Ahhhh, making my Finnish heritage + 92-year-old Grandpa Sulo proud! I think it is SO funny that sauna is now a trendy wellness topic—because my very Scandinavian family has been living the sauna lifestyle for generations! I grew up taking sauna as a kiddo alllll the way through adulthood—at family holidays, high school sleepovers with best friends, “just because” on a Tuesday (ha!). Basically—up here in Northern Minnesota, sauna season is 365 days per year…but there is something extra special about warming up the sauna when the leaves turn. Such a great way to detox, refresh, and relax.
20. cozy beverages to go:
Fall means alllll the cozy beverages, allllll the time. And that means bringing your yummy sips with ya wherever you go—to work, on a hike, or on a long car drive. While I hope you enjoy your drink, I urge you to ditch your plastic thermos (yes, even if it says “BPA-free”) and swap it out for a stainless steel or this ceramic option. Microplastics are nooooo bueno when it comes to your health—I urge you to swap your traditional plastic travel mug for an option that’s better for your health!
Alsoooo, if you’ve been following along on Instagram, you know that I’ve begun to wean myself off of coffee. Nothing dramatic or flashy, but I was just a litttttle too dependent on coffee. *nervous laugh* I will be doing a super thorough post on the how/why of limiting your coffee intake soon, but in the meantime, I have to share this quick win if you want to limit your caffeine intake: this mushroom coffee. It’s so wonderful because you get the coffee experience buuuuut it is 1/2 the caffeine of normal coffee, fully organic, and packed with extra health goodies: mushrooms + adaptogens, oh my!
21. epsom salt bath soaks:
This one is a short + sweet description, but one of my FAVE self-care rituals always. A lonnnnng bath: a tub of hot water, a cup or two of epsom salt, some essential oils, and my waterproof Kindle. Ahhhhhh. BLISS.
22. my polaroid + film
Awwww, my sweet lil polaroid. Hands down my favorite way to document life—we go through about one pack of film per month, and there’s just something magic about holding your photos—so nostalgic and grounding. I LOVE this because as well-intentioned as I may be, I never go through the process to print off the photos on my phone or computer. Like, ever. Polaroid takes out all the hard work and gives you tangible printed photo keepsakes in a moment! Hiiiiiighly recommend investing in one. (In case you’re curious—here is the camera and film I use!)
to sum it up—these give me allllll the fall-y + hygge vibes
Alright, there you have it! 22 things that are helping me lean into the season of fall. Seasonal faves that give me comfort, cozy, back-to-school, hygge, fall-y energy.
I wanted this post to remind you to lean into the innate energy of the seasons—fall is a time for slowing down, for shedding old baggage, for re-evaluating, getting organized, and taking time for oneself. It truly is a beautiful time to recharge + recuperate.
And the best part? You don’t need a single thing in this blog post to make the most of this season—while they may elevate your experience, all you really need is to align yourself with the patterns of the weather, stay intentional, and lean into a new season of growth.
Because even though I may be a total summer soul + mentally resist the ending of my favorite season, I can already feel my body and emotions innately embracing the more grounded energy of fall. There is purpose in this season too. ☁️ Just like clockwork, every year I have to remind myself to embrace the emotional change I feel in fall. Because one day at a time, one moment at a time, there’s a gradual shift. In both weather and mood—the magic of the seasons. ✨ I hope you enjoyed this post, friend. Sending love!
-Kate
P.S. What do you think? Would you be interested in a list like this for each season when it comes along? Write me a comment below with any feedback! I genuinely read every single one!
but wait!
there’s more… :)
