Autumn at October’s beginning resembles a gentle and soothing hug. A hug from someone who knows what we’ve journeyed through and is welcoming us home to all the comforts paired with an open door to come and go as we please.

After all, freezing temperatures have not yet arrived, walking and driving with ease abound, and the beauty of summer’s growth and bounty remain even in their gradual decline.

Norman, Nelle and I went for a walk at a local park and through the abutting neighborhood this past Saturday morning, and that feeling of a deep breath of relaxation seemed to be the general vibe as neighbors walked their pups in the late morning, the sky was blue, the weather calm and the bustle and rush nearly absent that one might observe during a weekday. Walking along the sidewalks and spying the halloween and fall decoration provided yet further reminder that we’ve arrived to that time of year when soon costumes and scarves will be donned and before long the heater or fireplaces will be needed as we keep warm from the cold. But not quite yet.

One of my favorite houses in Bend, a house and outdoor planters that derive inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright, and how they decorated the planters immediately captured my awe. Having spoken to the homeowner who is an avid gardener, we exchanged stories about gardening and shared our triumphs and struggles with the Bend seasonal tendencies.

Below are a few of the many things autumn’s arrival offers as we savor a life of contentment through the seasons, plus 16 films I enjoy watching this time of year for all the feels of cozy, inspiration and a few chuckles as well.

1. Weekends (or days off) beckon us to recharge from the bustle of the week and with the sun rises later, it becomes easier to oblige

Bring the weekend papers to bed, pour yourself a hot cuppa, welcome the pups and the cats and the children into this space with you and don’t look at the clock. Just ease into the weekend and begin the day when you are ready.

2. Pumpkins and porches and stoops, yep, yep! It’s time to decorate for fall!

~One more look at this simple, yet perfectly decorated planter.

3. The gourds arrive at the farmers’ market in grand display

4. Listening to Vivaldi’s Autumn is played on repeat without apology (and dare I say, perhaps is my favorite of the seasonal concertos 🤫)

5. Time to make sure all of the necessary outerwear accessories for walks and runs (with the pups if you have them) are at the ready

Currently, I know I am going to need gloves for walks with the pups that can also transition well if I need to pop inside to run an errand. What will you be looking for this season? Perhaps a scarf or stocking cap? Be sure to stop by each Friday and read the weekly This & That post where I share regularly clothing finds for the season that are available and sometimes on sale.

J.Crew’s Cashmere wrap, many colors

Alex Mill’s Joshua Ellis Reversible Tartan Scarf

6. Watching the bees and butterflies enjoy their final visits to gather pollen from the flowers whilst sitting outside in the garden

So tickled to see a second bloom of the delphiniums in the front cottage garden!

7. Potting up the tulips bulbs and planting out the tulip and daffodil bulbs for hopefully a gorgeous show in the spring

~October’s Gardening post will be shared later this month where I will detail the bulbs I am planting out this year. Catch up on all of TSLL’s monthly gardening posts here.

8. Taking time to see family that lives far away before the roads become difficult to traverse

From cheering on my niece at her volleyball games and my nephew at his football games, meeting up for excursions at favorite autumnal locations for birthday celebrations and welcoming family into Le Papillon and to explore Bend during this beautiful time of year, this is an ideal point on the calendar for travel to Bend and away from Bend before the snowy weather and icy roads arrive. A peace of mind for safe travel for everyone.

9. Enjoying the plethora of new books, films and series released, premiering and returning

Be sure to stop by TSLL blog (right here!) each and every Friday for the latest list of newly released entertainment and culture recommended by TSLL. From books, to films, to art exhibits, television series and more, you can depend on finding something to explore and enjoy each and every week. Read the latest This & That post here.

10. Checking in on the fall capsule wardrobe and ensuring the sweaters, the jeans and the various boots are part of the capsule wardrobe for a stylish (and warm) fall and winter season.

Vince Fair Isle Cashmere V-neck sweater (two colors)

11. Taking any tomatoes that haven’t ripened yet (after the first frost) and taking them inside, placing with one banana in a dark room so they will ripen (it really does work!)

12. Kicking off the first of the Autumn Art Film season at our local boutique theater

The first film is Mary Cassatt — Painting the Modern Woman. I cannot wait to watch it. Here is the trailer:

~And here is the book that accompanies the exhibit.

13. Take as many walks, strolls and yep, even jogs through and along paths and trails decorated with changing leaves and foliage

Join the pups and I in November’s A Cuppa Moments where I will share some of our autumnal walks in Bend.

14. Queue the films!

For all sorts of reasons, these are the films I look forward to watching this fall season. Some are more recent, some are more than 20 years old, a few are from Britain and one is from France, and each one is a delight to watch again and again as they are either set in autumn primarily or entirely and then share a wonderful story sure to inspire or prompt a hearty laugh or both!

For a few of the films I have included the trailer as the film is lesser known. All films are linked to where you can view or stream them.

• When Harry Met Sally
• Iron Jawed Angels

• What’s Cooking?

• Jane Austen’s Persuasion with Dakota Johnson

• Knives Out, the first film in the series (2019)
• Mona Lisa Smile
• It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
• The Goonies
• School of Rock
• Clue

• Greta Gerwig’s Little Women
• Alan Alda’s The Four Seasons

• The DayTrippers (1996)

• The Bookshop
• Baby Boom with Diane Keaton
• Conte d’Automne (aka A Tale of Autumn)

15. Stocking up your candle cupboard!

And while you’re at it, start treasure hunting for candlesticks and candle pedestals.

Neiman Marcus brass vintage candlesticks, pair

Carrière Frères Bay Laurel Candle, (vegan, made in France)

Anthropologie’s Pumpkin and Sweet Vanilla candles

~SHOP Candles and Candlesticks

16. Making to have a cozy robe and/or pajama set for the cooler weather

Serena & Lily are having a 20% off sale site-wide through October 14th (no promo needed, discounted added at checkout) and their linen and cotton pajama sets (unisex) are some of my favorite. Shop them here.

Pour Les Femmes has wonderful high quality robes and pajamas sets at a mid-luxury price point.

Explore all of Pour Les Femmes’ pajama sets here.

Explore all of Pour Les Femmes’ robes here.

I have been loving their Angel robe for summer and spring – light, but super comfortable.

And this luxurious robe (cashmere) would be a dream to wrap up in. From Italian brand Frette.

Coastline robe (women)

17. Watching new episodes of The Simply Luxurious Kitchen cooking show!

Each Saturday through mid-October, a new cooking episode is shared right here on the blog, and so far we’ve baked and cooked main dishes, desserts, tea nibbles and delicious vegetable sides. Explore the 7th season’s episodes here.

18. Enjoying leaving the windows and doors open to let the breeze and afternoon warmth that still remains and the fresh air fill the house.

19. Bringing the autumnal upholstery décor (pillows and throws, etc.) out of storage

A slightly darker and warmer hue of colors adorn the sofa now along with more throws that were stored for the spring and summer season.

20. Remembering that autumn is as much a new beginning as spring

So often, autumn is seen as a wind down into the conclusion of the year, but I see it differently. I see autumn as the time when we greet a new season with renewed strength and clarity after a wonderfully long restful and play-filled summer. Autumn brings our focus toward what matters, and provides the space to apply what we’ve learned to make progress where we wish to see our lives expand and grow.

As we step back into our ‘work’ clothes and get serious about achieving our dreams and changing our communities and world for the better as we here in the states head to the polls or mail in our ballots, now is the time when our energy and mental clarity is most needed, so it is imperative to take the time to settle into the season well. From readying our homes, our clothes, our gardens and our life, autumn is full of opportunity and much to celebrate.

Wishing you a wonderfully cozy, delicious and nourishing autumn season. And may the efforts you expend today lead you to the outcomes you hold dear in your heart. Bonne journée. 😌🍁🍂

SEASONAL Posts from the Archives You Might Enjoy

15 Ways to Cozy into Autumn

15 Ideas for a Strong Life Approach to the New Fall Season

10 Ideas for Prepping for a Great Fall

~View all of TSLL’s Seasonal posts here in the Archives.