As September draws to a close, a distinct shift in the air signals the beautiful arrival of autumn. The past week has seen a delightful drop in temperatures, bringing crisp, cool evenings that invite cozy comfort. Our home’s heating system has even gently kicked in, ensuring our little one stays snug through the night. This transition into fall isn’t just about the weather; it ushers in a season filled with cherished traditions and exciting new experiences. Among my absolute favorite autumnal activities, one stands out above the rest: the quintessential joy of apple picking. It’s a tradition that deepens with each passing year, weaving itself into the fabric of our lives and creating memories that sparkle like dew-kissed leaves.
Embracing the Harvest: Our Annual Apple Picking Adventure
Apple picking has transcended being just an activity; it has blossomed into a beloved annual tradition for me, a ritual I eagerly anticipate as soon as the leaves begin to turn. Ever since I relocated to the picturesque landscapes of Upstate New York six years ago, this vibrant experience has been a cornerstone of my autumns, typically shared with a wonderful group of girlfriends, navigating orchards filled with laughter and the sweet scent of ripening fruit. Each year brought its own unique charm, but this season held a particularly special significance, marking a brand new chapter in our family’s story.
Oct 2013 – Early days of our apple picking tradition.
This year, for the very first time, I embarked on this delightful autumn excursion with my new family of three. It was a heartwarming milestone, witnessing the simple beauty of nature through fresh eyes. What made this trip truly remarkable, however, was the astonishing revelation that it was my husband’s inaugural apple picking experience. After more than three decades of calling this gorgeous state home, brimming with countless orchards, I was genuinely appalled and amused by this oversight! Had I known this surprising fact earlier, I would have corrected it years ago, eager to share one of my most cherished fall rituals with him. But as they say, better late than never, and watching him discover the simple pleasure of plucking a crisp apple straight from the branch was a joy in itself, creating a brand new shared memory for us.
Sept 2015 – Creating new family traditions.
On the glorious first official day of fall, a day marked by brilliant sunshine and a refreshing breeze, we set off for Beak & Skiff Orchards, a renowned local gem nestled in the heart of Syracuse. This family-friendly destination is a haven for autumn enthusiasts, offering more than just rows of apple trees. We spent a truly lovely afternoon immersed in the quintessential fall experience: carefully selecting baskets full of plump, ripe apples, savoring the warm, sugary delight of fresh apple fritters, and indulging in comforting hot apple cider donuts. The air was alive with the gentle rustling of leaves, the cheerful chatter of fellow visitors, and the irresistible aromas of cinnamon and warm apple. For us, the biggest surprise was how incredibly well our little Elliott handled the adventure. He proved to be an absolute trooper, sleeping soundly through most of our orchard explorations and snack breaks. While he might have missed out on the immediate excitement this year, we eagerly anticipate his growing interest in all the autumn wonders next year, picturing him toddling through the rows, reaching for his own apples, and truly becoming part of this cherished family tradition. For those planning their own apple picking adventure, remember to wear comfortable shoes, check the orchard’s website for available apple varieties, and don’t forget to sample their freshly baked treats and hot cider – they are an essential part of the experience!
A Dash of Style: The BHG Stylemaker Event
Beyond the rustic charm of apple orchards, September has also cultivated another exciting tradition in my calendar: attending the annual Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker event. For two consecutive years now, this gathering has been a vibrant celebration of the September Style Issue, bringing together creators, trendsetters, and design enthusiasts. Last week, the anticipation of this event whisked me away to Philadelphia, where I enjoyed a delightful overnight stay with my wonderful gal pal, Allie. The following morning, with coffee in hand and spirits high, we both drove down to the bustling heart of New York City, ready for a day filled with inspiration and networking at this prestigious event.
A delightful breakfast chat with Allie, founder of Baking A Moment, before diving into the day’s events.
The Stylemaker event is an incredible opportunity to connect with the creative minds behind Better Homes & Gardens. We had the pleasure of meeting several of the magazine’s esteemed editors, gaining invaluable insights into the world of home and lifestyle content. A particular highlight was spending time with Nancy, the brilliant Food Editor, whose passion for culinary artistry was truly infectious. From her, we gleaned a wealth of knowledge, learning invaluable tips and techniques from some of her favorite food stylists, including the renowned Libby Summers. Their discussions covered everything from perfect plating to creating visually stunning food narratives, offering a glimpse into the meticulous craft that makes magazine spreads so appealing. These interactions are not just about learning; they’re about understanding the dedication and creativity that fuels a brand like Better Homes & Gardens, and taking away actionable inspiration for our own creative pursuits.
Inside the inspiring atmosphere of the 2015 Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Celebration at the Hudson Hotel.
A vibrant and engaging session during the Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker event.
Beyond the captivating conversations with editors, the event offered a diverse array of truly amazing sessions designed to enlighten and inspire. We delved into the intricacies of cookbook publishing, gaining insights into the journey from concept to printed page – a dream for many aspiring authors. Other sessions focused on the dynamic world of social media, providing practical strategies for creating engaging video content that truly resonates with an audience. Perhaps most universally applicable were the discussions centered around the art and science of branding, emphasizing the importance of a consistent voice and visual identity in today’s crowded digital landscape. It was an intense but incredibly rewarding day, packed with so much valuable information and fresh perspectives. There was truly plenty to absorb, making it a feast for any creative mind eager to learn and grow.
The Stylemaker event wouldn’t be complete without its generous sponsors, who played a significant role in enhancing the experience. Among them was the iconic brand Vera Bradley, who graciously showcased their stunning Fall 2015 Collection. Their display was a vibrant tapestry of new patterns, rich colors, and thoughtful designs, perfectly capturing the essence of the autumn season. It’s always fascinating to see how brands translate seasonal themes into their products, and Vera Bradley’s collection was a masterclass in fall fashion accessories, from cozy travel bags to chic everyday essentials.
Exploring the elegant designs of the Vera Bradley Fall Collection.
And then came a wonderful surprise: Vera Bradley invited each of us to pick a bag for ourselves from their exquisite new collection! It was like being a kid in a candy store, contemplating all the beautiful patterns and practical styles. After careful consideration, I ultimately chose this gorgeous teal cross-body bag. Its rich, autumnal hue and versatile design made it the perfect accessory for the fall season, and it has quickly become a go-to item in my wardrobe. It was a thoughtful and truly appreciated gesture that added a personal touch to an already memorable event.
My chosen accessory: the stylish Twice as Nice Crossbody from Vera Bradley’s Fall Collection.
Beyond the sessions and the stylish giveaways, one of the most enriching aspects of the Stylemaker event was the opportunity to forge new connections and deepen existing friendships with fellow bloggers. It was incredibly rewarding to finally meet some new faces in person and spend quality time with them. I had the absolute pleasure of spending the entire day hanging out with Maryanne from The Little Epicurean, Camille from Planning Pretty, and Becky from The Cookie Rookie. These talented ladies are not only incredibly creative but also genuinely wonderful people. We shared laughs, exchanged ideas, and discussed everything from content creation strategies to the latest trends in our respective niches. These are the kinds of connections that truly fuel and inspire, reminding me of the vibrant and supportive community within the blogging world. I left the event feeling invigorated, inspired, and grateful for these budding friendships and the chance to collaborate and grow together in the future. The energy and camaraderie among creators are truly invaluable.
A snapshot of camaraderie: From Left to Right: Camille, MaryAnne, Becky, Allie, and myself, enjoying the Stylemaker event.
As I reflect on the wealth of knowledge gained and the wonderful connections made, I already find myself eagerly looking forward to another inspiring event next year. It’s a highlight that consistently recharges my creative batteries and offers fresh perspectives.
Preserving the Harvest: Our First Foray into Canning
For many, the true sign of summer’s winding down isn’t just the cooler weather, but the sight of a garden beginning to dwindle, having given its best throughout the warmer months. This year marked a significant milestone for us: it was our very first time cultivating an outdoor garden. Among our modest plantings, we decided to try our hand at growing a few tomato plants. To our immense delight and surprise, these plants graced us handsomely with an abundant, almost overwhelming, bounty of juicy, ripe fruits. We quickly realized we had more tomatoes than we could possibly eat fresh, leading us to an exciting new adventure – our first venture into the world of home canning.
Canning, often seen as a daunting task, became a wonderful family affair. With the invaluable guidance and patient help of Mr. J’s Dad, who brought a wealth of traditional knowledge and experience to the table, we embarked on this preserving journey. It was a fascinating process, transforming bushels of fresh, sun-ripened tomatoes into shelf-stable jars of goodness. Together, we managed to produce over a dozen jars of rich, homemade tomato sauce, bursting with the authentic flavor of our garden. In addition to the sauce, we also prepared a few jars of perfectly diced tomatoes, ready to be added to chilis, stews, and casseroles. This hands-on experience was incredibly rewarding, filling our kitchen with the aroma of simmering tomatoes and a profound sense of accomplishment. Now, with our pantry stocked with these precious jars, we feel perfectly ready for the long winter months ahead, eagerly anticipating the joy of incorporating our own preserved harvest into an array of comforting, homemade meals. There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from eating food you’ve grown and preserved yourself – it’s a taste of summer, even in the coldest of seasons.
That wraps up all the exciting updates from my side today, dear friends. It’s been a whirlwind of cherished traditions, inspiring events, and fruitful new endeavors. I hope these glimpses into my early autumn adventures bring a smile to your face and perhaps inspire you to embrace the unique joys this season offers. Wishing you all a truly wonderful and cozy start to Fall. xoxo
What wonderful moments have you been creating this Fall? What plans do you have to fully immerse yourselves in the crisp autumn weather and savor its delicious seasonal produce? Share your inspirations!
(Stylemaker Photos Credit: (c) Avi Gerver Photography)