5 simple ways to pretend it’s fall… wherever you live

Is it still shorts and flip flop season where you live? Trust me, I feel your pain! Even in the Pacific Northwest, which is known for its gorgeous and crisp falls, it is still feeling very summery despite a few sprinkles here and there. There’s no color in the trees, it’s definitely not sweater weather, and the last thing I want most days is a hot beverage.

But, you see, I adore fall. I long for autumn almost as soon as summer begins and visions of this kind of weather keep me happy even during the hottest days of the year.

It’s no doubt my very favorite season, but this year has just been very disappointing. This kind of weather merely feels like an extension of summer, only the kids are back in school {in shorts and sandals, no less} and we're on earlier schedules. Sigh.

So, how can you fake a good fall when the temperatures outside are not cooperating? Easy, you simply create fall yourself. I like to call it my DIY fall, with no glue or nails required.

1. Just because the leaves are still green doesn’t mean you have to go without fall colors. Simply infuse some burgundy, orange and gold into your décor and it will feel like fall – even if only indoors. Try a few pinecones, acorns, and leaves for your tabletop and you might actually enjoy how all the flowers are still blooming when you return outdoors.
2. Can’t enjoy the hot pumpkin spice latte that you’ve been dreaming about all summer? How about some yummy pumpkin recipes that are even good when cooled? Try this Apple Pumpkin M&M’s Crumble Cake from I Am The Maven and you will feel like it is fall in no time. 
   
3. Make your home, office, and car smell like fall. You may not feel like baking an apple pie or letting apple cider simmer on your stove, but your house can still smell like you are. A quick trip down your nearest air care aisle and you will find several fall options that have all the joy of fall, even without the cooler temperatures. At our local Walmart we found everything from pumpkin spice latte candles {seriously, it’s a thing!} to limited edition scents based on our National Parks, and pie-inspired scented wax melts, and all for under $10. Plus, as a bonus, people tend to forget your house hasn’t been deep cleaned if it smells like you were baking all day.
   
4. Pair boots with your favorite dress, skirt, or even shorts. There was a time in which I would have never considered going with bare legs and boots, but that time has since passed. I love boots so much and don’t want to limit my usage to a few short weeks before winter arrives, so I’ve had to get creative with what I consider “boot weather” and dress comfortably for the temps, but with the added flair of boots.
   
5. If all else fails, try watching some of your favorite movies that have autumn themes. Movies like Dead Poets Society, October Sky, and Rushmore aren’t overly seasonal, but I guarantee they will have you thinking fall by the time the credits roll.

There’s your proof that you can still fake it even if you haven’t yet hit fall temperatures, or don’t plan to at all this year. While I’m still holding out hope that autumn is still on its way for us this year, these simple steps sure take the sting out of feeling like everyone else is enjoying the autumn I’ve been waiting all year for.

What are your favorite things about fall? How do you fake it even when the weather is not cooperating? This is a sponsored post on behalf of SC Johnson candles and air care products. I received a #smellsclean gift pack with all my favorite fall scents and a gift card to buy a few more seasonal delights. All opinions are 100% ours.