As much as I hate to admit it, summer is on the way out. The kids have been back to school for a few weeks now (where I live), and the nights are getting colder by the day. It’s not officially fall, but its happening.

Fall is my favorite season. I love the crispness in the air, layered clothes, and eating lots of squash. That said, I still have a lot of trouble switching between seasons. Here are my top five tips to help you get ready for fall.

                      1.    Drink water.

I know, what lame advice. But seriously! All summer, we talk about the hot weather and that we need to drink gallons of water to make sure that we don’t have heat stroke. The hydration hype seems to wear off pretty quickly as soon as back-to-school season hits. Just because the risk of heatstroke has decreased, doesn’t mean that we should back off of the water. Staying hydrated is super important. We’re still outside all through the fall, and as the weather starts to get colder, it will help fight skin dryness.

                      2.    Extend your wardrobe.

Here, the biggest issue with the fall season is the wind and rain. What I need is often a little extra warmth, without the coat. I manage to hang on to all of my summer dresses into the beginning of November by using scarves, boots, and cardigans. Accessorizing in layers makes them wearable for longer.

                      3.    Do a spring clean.

Our big moment of cleaning is often thought of to be in the spring, but I am a strong advocate for doing it in the fall as well. Look through your wardrobe. Remove outdated pieces that you can get rid of, and put away all of the summer clothes that you know you won’t be pulling out again. It’s also a great time to deep clean your home before school and work commitments take over.

                      4.    Check out your local farmer’s market.

I love squash. I love that it’s in season right now. While a lot of the berries and lettuce have vanished from farmer’s markets, heartier, delicious vegetables are just now making an appearance. Try a new recipe with cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, kale, squash, Brussel sprouts, or beets. This season has so many colors that you can eat. Don’t write off the market just because the leaves are starting to change.

                      5.    Get in touch with the outdoors.

As I mentioned in #1, the fall is an excellent time to get outdoors. It’s like summer, but without the bugs and heat. Awesome, right? This is the moment to get around to visiting all of those hiking trails you didn’t get to in July. Maybe a weekend camping trip, or a short drive to see some fall colors. IF you can’t go to the outdoors, you can also bring the outdoors to you with bright bouquets of fall plants, or filling your home with the scents of the season.

Fall is my favorite time, and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do. What’s your favorite tip for switching over to autumn?