Can I get a show of hands: how many of you are not into Fall?  As soon as the geese start flying south, I have to ramp myself up for it.  Mental pep-talks, self-given  incentives: trips booked now for the thick of winter, new outdoor floral arrangements (so I can pretend I’m into it) and sometimes even home redecorating.  Yes. I have to bribe myself to get through it. 

Sure the changing leaves are pretty, but then they fall off and what am I left with?  Extra yard work.  I know this sounds very un-Canadian especially for a gal born in Winnipeg, but I do not Winter well.

Thankfully, being the optimist I am, I always try to look on the bright side.  And by bright side, I mean new creature comforts that help me feel like, “you can do this, Ali!”

New throw pillows
There is no such thing as too many throw pillows or in my case, too many covers.  I love going to fabric stores and picking out just enough for 2 pillows and switching them up to suit the season. In summer I like bright, vibrant colours.  In winter I crave soothing tones, soft textures and a pop of colour.  Yellow is my happy colour.

Hot Tea and Cool Mugs
I just love a well-designed mug.  DAVIDsTEA always has fun seasonal mugs and tea cups that are just as fun to gift as add to your own collection.  Who doesn’t want a mug with a gift card tucked inside?  A mug plus a $10 gift card is less than $35 and it’s super thoughtful.  And Canadian!

And on that note, DAVIDsTEA's fall tea collection is like a box of chocolates without the guilt.  Pumpkin Chai, Yes We Cran, Maple Sugar, Snickerdoodle and Sweet Apple Cider… I mean…

New Book
I don’t get to read very often now that I have two small kids but I recently read The Rosie Project and fell in love.  There are enough giggles to keep anyone’s spirits up and the protagonist is a Nerd. I love Nerds.

Scented Candles
The Pumpkin Tea candle from DAVIDsTEA is so pleasant, even my husband likes it.  Also a great gift idea for the friend that has been burning the midnight oil.  You could say,  “here’s something more pleasant to burn”.  (Stop! Too much?)

Slippers
I love Manitobah Mukluks slippers.  Warm, pillowy hugs for your feet.

Thick warm sweaters (without acrylic, the cheap sweater cousin of polyester)
If it was up to me, acrylic and polyester blends would be verboten.  Cotton, wool, cashmere or any combination thereof is the only way to go.  Ideally we could all afford one of these amazing Monogrammed Burberry Capes.  But probably this is closer to what we can afford.

Rudsak Coat
Sexy Canadian.  I can do a little bit of Winter if I get to be a badass in something like this.

Exercise
Not to sound all Gwyneth Paltrow but science has proven the mood-boosting effects of exercise. If I didn’t have my trainer come to my door every week I wouldn’t find the time to work out.  Some people like to jog, but I like to punch my trainer with boxing gloves.  Also, I like the pain the day after that makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something.

What do you do to boost your mood in the Fall?