It’s October, which means that it’s officially the beginning of Autumn… and spooky season! Anyone who knows me well knows that I take spooky season very seriously.

The beginning of this season means that there is all the more reason that we should be taking care of ourselves: midterms, changing weather, allergies. It also means that there are so many opportunities for doing so… in exciting and seasonal ways.

music

For me, autumnal music means stuff you can imagine playing on the speakers at a family bonfire or in your earbuds walking to meet your friend at a coffeeshop. Think John Mayer, Phillip Phillips, and Declan McKenna.

As always, I have a playlist for that. It’s called autumn 19 and I’ve already aux’d it at autumnal functions many times.

Also, this is the perfect time to pull out your uke again if you play. I have been learning some songs just for fun — it’s a great way to relax after a long day.

skin care

With the cold weather coming in, it’s important to keep up your good skin care habits. Wash your face twice a day, use face masks, moisturize, etc.

Recently, I did a little skin care haul at Sephora and Urban Outfitters. I got some new products to try out as well as some old favorites that I’ve talked about before on the blog.

First up, the old favorites. Y’all know I’m obsessed with the Mario Badescu skin care line, no matter how basic. I ran out of the drying cream earlier this month and let me tell you, I was heartbroken.

(Actually I’m currently wearing it in a beautiful constellation pattern on my face as I type. I’ll leave the rest to your imagination.)

Next up, this Sephora oat muesli face mask. My face has been particularly dry lately (and frankly, a bit troublesome) due to the drastic changes in temperature. I’ve been looking for a good face mask to combat these issues, and voila!

It goes on really easily and it smells really sweet, which I love. After washing it off, my skin feels a bit more hydrated and soft! 10/10 recommend for fellow dry-skin-havers.

room decor

I love to decorate my room for every holiday, and halloween is no exception. Every time I go to Target for groceries, I always come back with a few more dorm room decor pieces. Over time, it has accumulated to fill my entire side of the room. Hey, I’m not complaining.

pumpkin-spiced everything

The key to fall is being as completely extra as YOU want to be. Afraid to drink a pumpkin-spiced latte for fear of being judged as basic? Puh-leeze.

Some people don’t particularly find it fun to go all out for the holidays, and that’s completely fine. But that’s not me. Going extra during the holiday season is a big part of who I am, and I have found that when I let myself celebrate how I want to celebrate, I feel like I am making the most of the season… and I’m the happiest.

I encourage you to be your happiest self this holiday season and celebrate Autumn as much or as little as you’d like to. So no matter how “basic,” go ahead and carve those pumpkins! Order that seasonal latte! Wear those skeleton socks! Decorate your room with 20 pumpkins!

However you choose to take care of yourself this Autumn, make sure to do so authentically and wholeheartedly. xoxo, ESM.