We’ve entered my favorite time of the year: the days get a little shorter but not too short. The nights get a little longer but not too long. Things get a whole lot cozier. Mornings are still and serene. Lunch and dinner get a lot richer. Though I’m admittedly not a huge fan of Halloween or Halloween-related things—which I agree is odd since October is decidedly my favorite month—the presence of pumpkins, gourds, and the occasional haunted motif brings me joy. I have a soft spot for cute scarecrows. (I have a lot of wine mom tendencies, this is perhaps the most.) There’s a corn maze? Let’s do it. Chili, chowder, stew, and all things soup? You got me. I love all things fall, y’all.

Time seems to slow down in October, something that lasts until we’re chaotically strewn into a holiday stupor mid-November when stores try to get a jump start on seasonal sales. Because I work in eCommerce, I’ve been thinking about the proverbial “Black Friday Cyber Monday” since mid-August and can say with full confidence that this will be one of the most unbearably consumerist BFCMs of all time. I’m going to make use of my ad-blocker, spend less time on my phone, and more time in the kitchen. (My new home has the most glorious kitchen.)

In order to properly enjoy this playlist, I recommend making a bolognese (this recipe is pretty close to my own), fixing yourself an autumnal cocktail, and donning your fluffiest pair of slippers. I believe I added the last track to this while sipping a Sheetz Pumpkin Pie latte—would not recommend, especially if you’re like me and don’t like overly-sweet food and drinks. In lieu of that, dip some Granny Smith apples in caramel with some roasted and salted peanuts on top. There you go—you’re ready for a very E.M. kind of autumn. (Get ready to binge watch The League.)

There you go. Some Fall tunes for chilly afternoons. Dorky yet timeless photo of me with pumpkin to add even more to the mood.

xo, e.m.