Hi there!
One of my favorite autumn rituals begins with a small organic pie pumpkin.
Every year, I look forward to finding those little pumpkins, roasting them, and turning them into all sorts of delicious things. And there’s one recipe I especially love—Ambitious Kitchen’s pumpkin oat bake.
I made my first batch of the season this morning, with a little twist. I substituted some of Trader Joe’s gluten-free oats with ancient grains and seeds, and oh my goodness, was it good! I’ve also discovered a toasted pepita pumpkin spice blend from Burlap & Barrel that’s making my autumn baking even more delightful.
It’s funny how something as simple as a familiar recipe can feel like such a treat when you’ve waited all year to enjoy it.
And then there are my mums.
Every fall, I look for chrysanthemums with buds that haven’t opened yet. I love watching those first hints of color peek through, then seeing the flowers reach their full glory before eventually fading into the rich, chocolatey shades of late autumn.
Yellow mums are my favorite, and this year I found six at a great price for our front porch.
Except there’s a little surprise.
One of them is purple!
I’ve been meaning to move the oddball to the back deck and replace it with another yellow one, but somehow I haven’t gotten around to it.
Curt thinks I should leave it right where it is. He likes the unexpected splash of purple.
And perhaps he’s right.
All these little pleasures have me thinking about how much there is to enjoy this time of year—if we remember to notice.
Which gave me an idea: Why not go on an autumn scavenger hunt?
Not the kind where you’re racing to find hidden objects, but a grown-up version designed to help you rediscover the fun of looking for little surprises and savoring the season.
I’ve put together 25 little autumn discoveries, from finding a leaf with three different colors to revisiting a childhood tradition or discovering beauty in something that’s beginning to fade.
There are no points, no deadlines, and no need to find everything on the list.
Just a playful invitation to get curious, look a little closer, and enjoy the season while it’s here.
Join: Autumn Scavenger Hunt: 25 Little Ways to Savor the Season
I’d love to hear what you discover! And if you’ve already had a little autumn surprise of your own, hit reply and tell me about it.
Wishing you a week filled with little delights,
Julie
P.S. Some pleasures are even sweeter when shared. Know someone who might enjoy a little autumn adventure? Forward this email and invite them to join the hunt. You can compare discoveries as the season unfolds!
I look for and find delight in the unexpected.
What We Loved This Week
jmbliving.com