Best Of Fall: Hits And Misses From the Season of Targeted Marketing
Fall is here, the leaves are changing, and I am finally getting a full week of weather under 90 degrees, thank goodness!
I always get so excited for Fall, but as a millennial woman, I know that businesses (particularly coffee shops and bakeries) are trying to sell me stuff centered entirely around the idea that the days are getting shorter and pumpkins are widely available. Just in case I am not the only one turned off by this shameless (and so tempting, honestly) marketing, I thought I’d give you my tried and true list of Fall must-haves , and must-nots. I believe in ending on a high note, so take a peak below at a little treat! ‘Tis the season, after all, for little treats. Please be aware that much of this will be California specific, but I want to hear from all 50 states and add to my list!
Must Have: Corn Maze/Pumpkin Patch combos. Look, I’m a busy girl. What with keeping the mascot happy, bringing content to my amazing subscribers, helping other people create their businesses while simultaneously building my own, and trying to have a social life, I am swamped. When I leave my house looking for Fall fun, I want to do it all! Many places (near me) that have Pumpkin patches will also have corn mazes. If you are looking for an extra spooky corn maze, you may need to look elsewhere, and also I wish I had your constitution. Check the web presence of the corn maze you wish to visit, because they may sell treats, allowing you to bypass the grocery store bakery section!
Must Not: Starbucks PSL. Sacrilege, I know! However, it must be said that it is so easy for corporate shops to access mass-produced flavored syrups that bear little relationship to the flavor you are after, and in the case of the Starbs PSL, they are just too sweet! Your local coffee shop (I myself am fond of Temple Coffee) will have the most delicious handcrafted, and potentially locally sourced, creations for you to enjoy. While I love a good pumpkin flavored ANYTHING, I have been pleasantly surprised by local shops and what they come up with using other flavors, such as apple, ginger, maple, dark chocolate, and so many others! A cinnamon chai latte never did me wrong either, it has to be said.
Must Have: Soup! Listen, I actually don’t know where to get food better than anything I make in my own kitchen, so my recommendations for this are flavored olive oils (infusing your own is also super easy), a vegetable chopper because lordy is that a lot of work, and a clay cooker to make the most tender roasted chicken you’ve ever tasted in your life. For actual soup recipes, the New York Times has some good ones, and excellent news coverage to peruse while your bird is in the oven.
Must Not: Tattoos. Surprising, because I have a lot of them, but I have a good reason, I promise. Fall is when the mornings are cold, and the afternoons are warm. If you are a student, midterms are happening which means your backpack is going to get heavier. Rubbing against a heavy bag, sweating it out in your cute Fall look that was so cozy at 8 a.m. but is way too much by 2 p.m., and sweaters and fleeces that shed material are all extremely rough on new ink. Wait it out until November or the new year if you can! It will be worth it!
Must Have: Small business merch. Halloween stores and big brands are going to carry the most tempting spooky merch, but check out an Etsy shop or your local boutique instead! Products from small businesses are a labor of love, and many boutiques are fuelled by the big dreams of women. As an aside, I make it a point to go to small boutiques in every city I travel to, when I can find them, and the Fall season offerings are no exception! Your trendy Fall t-shirt will undoubtedly be more unique and come with a great story about the small business you bought it from!
Must Not: Most big brand scented candles. This is where I out myself as a total hippie, but here goes. The ingredients of most corporate brands are toxic in the long run, especially to a household with small children or small animals. Natural alternatives are everywhere to be found, and, to circle back to my small business obsession, are usually made with care by a small business committed to a toxin-free, sustainable lifestyle. Some even melt down to become massage oil or come in an easily cleaned reusable container, and those, I hope we can all agree, are the cutest Fall home accessory.
Must Have: Walking shoes. As the weather gets cooler, and the apple cinnamon shakes at Coldstone call to us via instagram ads (am I the only one who gets those?) I’m looking for good shoes so I don’t slip and fall on wet leaves while I stay fit and eat all the goodies I want. There’s also nothing more satisfying than a morning hike as nature changes before your eyes as the sun slowly comes up over the trees. It’s like being in Middle Earth. Okay, so I’m a nerdy hippie, but the point stands. Walking shoes are a must have for Fall, case closed.
Must Not: Long Movie Marathons. Given what I just said about hiking being like a Lord Of The Rings movie, I’m sure this is surprising. However, research readily available shows that seasonal depression is extremely real! The best part of Fall is that being outside isn’t uncomfortable anymore, so take this chance to enjoy the fresh air and the golden sunlight! You will feel better and be more productive. As tempting as it is to cuddle up now with a cup of tea, save the movie marathons for the inhospitable pouring rain and cold temperatures that are just around the corner!
Must Have: A Cardigan. Or a pullover. However you like to stay warm and look fabulous, it’s a must, and again, I recommend staying away from the T-Swift knockoff merch and buying your sweaters from small businesses. If you’re an indoorsy sort and looking to support small businesses, there are many small boutiques available online as well! I’ll post a story with some of my favorites this week and some of my favorite Fall pieces!
And we ended on a high note! Let’s call that our win for the day, shall we?
Let me know what your Fall must haves are, particularly if you’re not in California. I want to hear from everyone! Let’s make this Fall the best and coziest it can be!
For your promised Fall treat, the first 10 people to connect with me on social media and tell me what was your favorite tip I gave, or if you visited any of the boutiques I’ll post in my story announcing this post, will get a free 10ml rollerball bottle! These are perfect for essential oils, your favorite scent, etc. Let’s spread the fall cheer!
Can you tell I’m scared to death of November and need a pick-me-up?
Until Next Time!
-Jane Elizabeth (Birdy)
