Fall Basics

Meeting Dax Shepard, shirts, snacks and other basic fall things.

Happy first Sunday in October for all who celebrate. It’s easy for me to still sweat just walking around in the afternoon here but overall the air feels more crisp, we are more conditioned into our school week routines and the familiars of fall are coming around again. I’m a pretty basic girl in the fall, with a premature scarf around my neck and one pump Pumpkin Spice in my black coffee. I want the candles and all the fun too.

With that in mind, I thought I would share a list of some “basic” fall things I am loving right now.

Friend of the Pod

I have to admit I am not much of a podcast person. I’m a little overwhelmed by the number of them and have trouble committing. By Christmas of 2022 I had listened to Armchair Expert once or twice on road trips and I liked Dax Shepard, as I was one of two girls allowed on the all-boys school improv troupe when he was doing Punked so I was drawn to his brazenness. In December 2022 Anna Kendrick came on the show and a few people texted me about it that day, urging me to listen. I somehow knew then, listening to that podcast episode, that the only thing I could do was walk away from my 14 year marriage. The divorce process that initiated was very long and draining for me, so I listened to more Armchair to keep something different between my ears. I ended up listening to close to six years of shows in a year. She doesn’t listen to much of the regular content but on Fridays the show does embarrassing stories where listeners call in, and it’s given Heidi a lot of reprieve at such a self-conscious age. We are just a couple of arm cherries!

I just so happened to see a post this week that Dax and my fave, Best Friend Aaron Weekly, were going to be sampling their new N.A. beer close to me. I was such a dork and stood in line 30 minutes, meeting the best people of course, and ending the experience with two big hugs and some laughs from my parasocial friends. Worth it!

Side of Ranch

This Toby’s dressing/dip is so good with crudites, as a spread on sandwiches, as a side sauce to a roast or as a dressing on a salad. When I post it on Instagram, people from around the country message me that it is their favorite. If I have to go to Whole Foods for an Amazon return, I usually try to get one. But last week I saw it at HEB for less!

Store Bought is Fine

Absolutely I am just like every other woman I know and raced to download Ina Garten’s memoir on audible the minute it was live on October 1. Ina’s sweet voice is honest and inspiring about her childhood, pre and post women’s revolution marriage and the incredibly hard work it has taken her to create the barefoot contessa lifestyle.

I loved reading about how studious Ina was as a child and how her love for science informs her passion for cooking. Of course, her relationship with Jeffrey is inspiring, with Ina reading one courtship letter that said, “I would like for you to be around so I can think with you.”

The book makes me want to feed myself and the people I love well, with good food and culture as well, which is inspiring me for fall.

Boo Mix

This October my part time job is making snacks for the Girl Scouts, cheerleaders, Dungeons and Dragons crew - you name it. I have a lot of popcorn leftover from my summer camp so I am getting creative, using it for filler in my “Boo Mix!”

Right now Boo Mix is popcorn, Halloween shaped pretzels and chocolate chips mixed together and stuffed into a Halloween treat bag with two frosted cookies tucked inside. The kids love all the flavors! I love that it’s all one Target order, including the huge pumpkin bowl I use to carry it all.

Get everything you need for Boo Mix in one Target order.

The Rugby Shirt

Everyone gets it now that I’m not taking off these updated, oversized rugby shirts until it’s time for short sleeves again. I’ve worn them to casual days at the office, parties for Camp Crafty, errands, chores - you get it. I love the classic rugby look in an oversized fit, with drop shoulders, a longer hem and terry fabric interior that truly feels like the perfect thin sweatshirt material. And I love that it’s all $35.

I have navy and red but green and pink (with a oatmeal heather contrast instead of white) are on the way. Join me in throwing on a sweatshirt with a collar and showing the world how much we can get done! Get yours here.

That’s my list of fall “basics!” What are you bring basic about this fall? I love hearing from you!