Summer. Oh summer. Despite some challenges, there was so much good tucked into those three months. I’m trying really hard to get excited about fall. But the honest truth is I’m not done with summer! And if I’m being honest, I’m also seriously SCARED of winter. Last winter was just so cold, snowy, and never-ending … so I’m a bit anxious that the same thing will happen. I think I actually have PTS from that winter, lol. So in order to get myself on track for the fall season, I made a fall bucket list.

(I’m also going to be rolling out a HUGE winter sale for destination weddings this winter. So if you know someone who is thinking of getting married somewhere warm this winter, let them know! I’m just ready to be ANYWHERE but NY once that snow starts falling! Well, after the third snow has fallen, actually. I like the first couple ; ))

I didn’t check everything off my summer bucket list. But I did pretty good : )

This fall, here’s what I want to do:

1. Have lots and lots and lots of bonfires with friends. I had some friends over for a fire the other night, and in preparation, I went out and stocked up on roasting sticks, fire starters, marshmallows, and all kinds of other fire necessities so that I’d be ready for the season. Sitting around the fire together just talking, roasting treats, and listening to music is so relaxing and makes me so, so happy. Add in some chili and I’m even HAPPIER.
2. Take an all-day hike. The Hudson Valley is full of amazing mountains, woods, and areas to get lost in.
3. Explore a little village or town here in the Hudson Valley that I’ve never visited.
4. Get lost in a corn maze. I really want to get to one of the suuuuper long ones in PA. Like this one. But, if I’m being more realistic, I’ll probably get to the 5 acre one at Barton Orchard, which is only a few miles from my home right here in Poughquag.
5. Bake an amazing gluten-free apple pie.
6. Visit the Cider Garden at Fishkill Farms. I love visiting Angry Orchard in Walkill. But I’m excited to try a new spot this fall.
7. Plan a hayride for a small group of friends. Not sure where or when yet. But I do love a good hay ride and bonfire!
8. Fall asleep on a blanket in the warm fall sunshine. My favorite nap-time sleep is when I fall asleep reading. So that will be the plan : ) I just started Wuthering Heights and I can’t believe how much I’ve forgotten! It’s been a few decades since I last read it. And I’m having a hard time putting it down at night.
9. Wander the streets of NYC sipping a warm beverage and loving not being too hot or too cold.
10. Find ONE new really cute fall staple piece for my wardrobe.  Just found it. Man, it’s cute too! Target came through with my summer dress. And they just came through again with the cutest wine colored overalls. I just may wear them every day. (You’ve been warned.)
11. Figure out how to make a DELICIOUS pumpkin kombucha. This past weekend I visited a farmers market in Tarrytown and one of the vendors had pumpkin kombucha … and I wanted it! But turned out that I JUST missed the last bottle. But that’s ok … I’m ON it now. Apple cinnamon, too!

What are you going to be getting up to this fall? Leave a comment and let me know!

XO,
Kate

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Kate Callahan is an on-location photographer who LOVES to capture authentic memories for families. She’s available for weddings, senior photos, child photo sessions, and family photography. Kate works with clients throughout the Hudson Valley, NYC,  Delaware (and the tri-state area), and beyond. She also writes motivational books for photographers. Find them at Dear Female Photographer.

HUDSON VALLEY, NY FALL MINI(ish) PHOTO SESSION DATE

Sunday, October 7, 2018
Vanderbilt Mansion
Hyde Park, NY

Details here.