10 Things to Try This September

As summer turns into fall, shake up your routine ... here are 10 things to try this September!

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I love learning and trying different things. It keeps everyday life a little more exciting, know what I mean?

In that spirit, I’ve started a monthly series, 10 Things to Try. Each month this year, I’ll share ten seasonally appropriate ideas (recipes, crafts, decor ideas, and more) that are worth trying that month. If you’d like to play along, take a pic of something new you’ve tried, then post it on social media and tag it with #hellolittlehome … sound like fun?

Here are 10 things to try this September!

1. Do Something to Help Someone Else

Between hurricanes, floods, fires, and other natural disasters, a lot of the news lately has been totally depressing.

It's so easy to get overwhelmed and do nothing. I've been there! But doing something to help someone else will not only make you feel a little better, it could have a big impact on someone's life.

Texas Monthly has a great list of ways to help people affected by Hurricane Harvey. Here are a few ways you can help victims of Hurricane Irma. Don't forget the western fires ... they haven't received much attention, but have been devastating (how to help these affected by Montana fires).

Of course, you can always go local and help out a friend who's going through a tough patch, too. It can be as simple as sending a text, volunteering to watch their kids, or making them a hot dinner.

2. Create a Fall Bucket List

On a much lighter note ... fall is almost here!

Autumn is my favorite season of the year, so I like to make the most of it. I'm dreaming of wearing sweaters and boots, carving pumpkins, and more.

Before these precious few months pass you by, take the time to make a fall bucket list. Then, start checking things off!

3. Throw a Dinner Party

September is the perfect time to catch up with friends and family you've missed over the busy summer months.

Why not plan a casual autumn dinner party? My Fall Inspired Tablescape is easy to recreate and will set a festive tone.

Make sure to plan a harvest themed menu, too. Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started:

4. Make an Emergency Plan

If you haven't already (guilty!), there's no time like the present to make an emergency plan.

No matter where you live, it's best to be on the safe side. You may never need to use your plan, but being prepared will give you peace of mind.

Here's a great checklist for making an emergency plan to get you started. Make sure to stock up on water and nonperishable food and update your first aid kit, too.

5. Get Organized After Summer

I don't know about you, but my summer was crazy busy. And the fact that I moved did not help.

Now that fall is (almost) here, it's time to get organized again.

Are there any particular areas of your home that need help? Make a plan to tackle them bit by bit ... or you could go full on Marie Kondo. Ha!

Here are a few fun ideas for getting organized:

Tips for Organizing a Small Kitchen
Make a DIY Custom Memo Board ... perfect for keeping track of odds and ends.
How I Organize My Jewelry.
Tips for Organizing a Small Closet ... plus, my fave organizational tools.

6. Plan a Fall Getaway

It's the perfect time to plan a mini escape ... even if it's in your own city.

I have a couple trips planned this month, and I'm especially excited to be heading to NYC. It will be my first trip there since we moved away, and I couldn't be more excited.

I'm breaking out my boots and dreaming of walking the High Line and seeing fall in Central Park! It will be so fun to visit old favorites and catch up with friends.

Where would you like to escape to this fall?

7. Eat All the Pumpkin

Are you a pumpkin lover or hater? Personally, I'm ready to eat tons of pumpkin-infused foods ASAP.

I can never get enough pumpkin at this time of year, although strangely, I'm not a fan of the pumpkin spice latte. In my defense, it doesn't even have pumpkin in it!

Here are some of my favorite tried-and-true pumpkin recipes that I can't wait to make this fall:

8. Go Apple Picking

It has been way too long since I've gone apple picking, but it's always been one of my fave fall activities.

I like to go somewhere with different activities, like hay rides and mazes. A shop with hot apple cider and apple donuts doesn't hurt either!

If you don't know the best places to pick apples in your area, a quick Google search should help. I even found some places near Dallas.

Of course, you'll need something to do with all those apples! There are some of my fave apple recipes:

9. Update Your Fall Wardrobe

Fall weather is the best ... cool enough for a sweater and boots, but warm enough that you don't need a heavy coat. Love it!

Take advantage of back to school sales and restock your wardrobe. Many of these sales last the whole month.

Here are a few cozy pieces I have my eye on right now (from pic above):

What are you planning to buy this September?

10. Make Something Cheesy

It's National Cheese Month ... who knew? As a cheese lover, this is something I can definitely get down with!

You won't want to let this important holiday pass without making something cheesy. Here are some yummy ideas:

What is something new that you are inspired to try this September?

Make sure to check out all of my 10 Things to Try posts for even more inspiration: