You may know by now that I like lists. If you're new: I like lists. So as sure as I went out to get my first Pumpkin Spice Latte #PSL to celebrate the first official day of fall (even though it was still 95 degrees in Dallas), I also made a "fall bucket list" complete with tons of cliche (but necessary) seasonal activities. Despite the feeling of Christmas being forever away, in reality we only have a short amount of time to get these activities done, so I have to stay focused on them and plan when to do them or they won't happen. Hence, the list! Also, I love having something to look forward to at the end of a long week, so a lot of these are weekend activities.

1. Visit the State Fair of Texas! It's not fall unless I'm hanging with Big Tex, eating a funnel cake and Fletcher's corn dog at the fair! (checked this off the list last night!)

2. Bake Pumpkin Muffins. (My specialty!) Maybe I should just make a "bake this" bucket list. These muffins can't be beat! One box of spice cake mix, one can of pumpkin, one egg. Crowd pleaser, every time. Do yourself a favor and find the recipe on Pinterest!

3. S'mores Around a Campfire. I love sitting around a fire with friends, roasting marshmallows and telling stories. I could sit for hours and listen to the fire crackle… I'm getting so excited just thinking about it! During the beginning of the hustle and bustle of holidays fast-approaching, friends love an excuse to sit and enjoy each other's company outside.

4. Go to a Pumpkin Patch. I have wanted to do this for years, but it never happens! This year it's happening (it is on the calendar!). Go to a pumpkin patch, go for a hayride, and bring your perfect pumpkin home to live on your front porch.

5. Drink Hot Chocolate. You probably have never met someone who loves hot chocolate as much as I do. I will most likely drink it every single night in the fall/winter. With marshmallows, of course. Offering hot chocolate to your house guests almost always results in a "yes!" so be sure to have some on-hand! 

6. Pick Apples at an Apple Orchard. This is on my fall bucket list because I have never done it before, but I can't imagine that it will be anything less than amazing, so here we are. I was just invited to an apple orchard event, so it looks like this is my year to check this off the list.

7. Bake a pie. Apple pie is my favorite! Sorry, pumpkin. My favorite pie dish was a gift from two dear friends many years ago, and I love that I think of them whenever I bake a pie. Now that I'm going to an apple orchard, maybe I can even use the apples that I hand-picked! 

8. Pumpkin Carving/Painting. I can't decide if I want to put in the effort to actually carve out a pumpkin (it's hard!) or if I want to paint one this year. It's a tough call, but either way, I will decorate a pumpkin in some way this year. Don't let Black Friday roll around before you realize that you didn't actually buy a pumpkin this year.

9. Go Camping. I planned a camping trip last spring but we happened to have some freezing rain that weekend, so I am hoping I can reschedule for next month. I'm open to camping location suggestions around North Texas, if you happen to have any. There's something special about being disconnected with the world and focusing only on the people you're with that is so relaxing, especially since all of us are on our phones nonstop.

10. Host a Scary Movie Night. "Scary" as in not scary at all, because I can't handle that; maybe something animated? But really, it's so easy: popcorn, movie, friends, done.

11. Epic Halloween Party! I can't believe it's time to think about Halloween already; if you're anything like me, you've already spent hours on Pinterest, searching for the perfect costume. Pop culture reference? Classic character? Punny? Couples costume? So. Many. Choices. Last year's Halloween Party was by far my favorite party I've ever hosted and I don't know if I can top it this year.

12. Drink PSLs. Last but not least! Of course, you have to drink fall's signature drink at least once this season without any shame! 

I hope you are able to use this list as inspiration for a few fun activities that you want to try before fall is over. Pace yourself, but do think about prioritizing your time with family and friends before the rush of the holidays and endless party invitations are upon you!