pumpkin spice up your life
A few weeks ago, Starbucks announced the official beginning of Fall with the release of their Pumpkin Spice Latte. After working as a barista for a couple of years, I thought I’d never want another PSL again. But obviously craving pumpkin, nutmeg, and cinnamon, Lauren and I put together the ultimate list of ways for you to make the most of PSL season this year!
Everyone knows that the only way to truly enjoy fall is sitting inside your house with a pumpkin candle burning and talking about trips to an apple orchard or a pumpkin patch. Here are some of our favorite pumpkin candles this year:
Pumpkin Butter - I can’t find this on the Target’s website, but if you look hard enough in the dollar spot (or a dollar store) you’ll find this. It smells like pie and is a smaller votive size like the one that Bath and Body Works no longer carries in stock. By the way, this is an absolute steal and priced at just $3.
Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin - Obviously, we had to throw in a Bath and Body Works favorite. We all know that we won’t actually spend $22 on a candle but this is one that you definitely need to stock up on, when it goes on sale. I’m not a huge fan of most gimmicky, fall scents, but love this one! I’m a sucker for anything that smells like cinnamon.
This is a comprehensive guide to eating, sleeping, living and breathing pumpkin spice until it’s time to break out the Christmas lights, Next up is Beauty, from masks to nail polish, we’ve got you covered.
DIY Pumpkin Mask - Not only does this mask smell amazing, but it’s completely edible and doesn’t contain any ingredients that can harm your skin like baking soda or lemon juice. Pumpkin contains vitamins E, C, and A which means it has anti-aging properties! I’m not going to lie, I tasted it and it’s delicious!
“Playing Koi” by Essie - If you’re going to eat, sleep, breathe PSL, you have to rock a burnt orange nail polish. This shade is super flattering on all skintones and doesn’t scream “pumpkin”. I bought this when it was released last fall and I used it all winter. It actually looks more like a very warm-toned nude, and not a bright orange. It’s beautiful.
“Elixir” by Colourpop - This is the PERFECT warm toned crease shade. I love the super shock formula (Colourpop’s revolutionary creme-powder formula) and this shade is no exception. This matte terracotta eyeshadow will not disappoint, plus it is only $5.
The most obvious way to spread pumpkin cheer around your house is with decor. From the traditional pumpkin decor to pumpkin-colored details, here are some of our favorites:
Pumpkin Trivet - Dear minimalists, this is a perfect piece of fall decor for you. I’m a sucker for pieces that are seasonal yet functional. This is something you could hang or even display on your counter when you aren’t using it.
Orange Taper Candles - My love affair with candle holders and tapers started last year. It always amazes me how much a simple change of color transforms the entire look. Buy a set of candle holders that you love, and several colors of tapers. This color will be perfect for fall and you could even use this in the summer!
Hand-Lettered White Pumpkin - I am obsessed with this Etsy shop, Handmade Darling. This would be perfect by a fireplace, by your front door, or really anywhere in your home. I’m also loving the globes!
Mini Velvet Pumpkins - I am always ready to scour the fall section of the Target Dollar Spot. I seriously stalk Instagram,waiting for Dollar Spot posts, so I know when to hit the store. These are SO cute in person and only $1 each(!). They come in all sorts of cute “fall” colors and you can now order online from the Target Dollar Spot!
Lauren works for a brewery so we couldn’t leave out a couple of pumpkin-flavored adult beverages. These are her top picks this season: “Pumpkinhead” by Shipyard, “Pumpkin Patch Ale” by Rogue, “Pumking Imperial Ale” by Southern Tier, “Pumpkin Ale” by Schlafly.
Since Gabrielle and Lauren are DIY queens, I’d be in trouble if I didn’t give you some pumpkin DIYs. Not only fun, you could definitely turn some of these into a cute, fall photo op. Do it for Instagram.
Slow-Cooker PSL - I was pretty skeptical of DIY PSLs, mostly because this doesn’t have espresso in it. But, this would be perfect for Friendsgiving. Pop it into the crockpot for a couple of hours, then PSL! (I’m definitely going to try this out and see how it does with a dairy substitute for those of you who have lactose/dairy sensitivities).
Painted Pumpkins - I love the look of painted pumpkins and I love the lack of mess that comes with painting instead of carving. I’ve pinned some painted pumpkin inspo, but I’m really feeling chalk paint on a pumpkin. Not only will these stay nice longer than a carved pumpkin, but you don’t have to touch slippery pumpkin guts.
Vanilla Pumpkin Sugar Scrub - As a frequent exfoliator, I will definitely use this. Before you ask, this particular recipe doesn’t have any health benefits, but that’s because it’s a scrub (not a mask). The biggest benefit is that it smells like fall heaven in a jar.