I’m a huge supporter of summer. The bonfires, day-long beach trips and kiddie pools out back — they’re all are home to me…which is why I’m a little confused. I should be rejoicing that the 80 degree days are extending past labor day. Instead I’m left wishing the leaves would start changing, hoping that my pants can move back to the front of my closet,  and even wearing sweaters to try to force the hot weather out. Maybe it’s the overload of pumpkin spice lattes (my new legal drug addiction) but I am lusting after fall this year.

In my mind, fall seems like it is the perfect season. The weather is that cool, not too hot, not too cold temperature. It’s crisp enough to wear a sweatshirt, but not cold enough to wear a bulky coat. You can still go for your usual walk, without sweating profusely..it’s pretty great. Blame it on the adorable trench coats, early arrival of in season drinks..whatever it is, I’m so ready to start rolling around in piles of leaves:

1. Leaves: Fall is one of the seasons that makes me so glad to live in New England, they make my three hour drives to Maine a little bit better.

2. Not shaving: I’m Italian, so I was not graced with the ability to shave every other week, let alone every other day. So I am pumped to not have to be in shorts every day.

3. Fall Festivals: I love summer carnivals, but nothing beats walking around in the crisp air, eating your carmel apple, while walking to the ferris wheel with your friends. Read More »

Finally — summer’s over! It’s time for sweaters, boots, Starbucks’ signature fall drinks, and for those leaves to start falling. You could spend all fall hunched over your computer worrying about mid-terms, or you can get in touch with your seven-year-old self that took time to relish the changing leaf colors, the local pumpkin patches, and of course, the cooler weather.

Here are five things that you probably enjoyed during your childhood that you can still enjoy this fall. (Editor’s Note: especially if you add a little spiked apple cider.):

1. Go Apple Picking: Throw on some jeans, find a cardigan, and head to the nearest apple orchard. Now that fall is here, apple orchards should be open to the public. Not sure where the closest apple orchard is? Check out Pick Your Own for all the details of the farms and orchards near you. Not only will this get you outside to enjoy the nice fall weather, it will give you a reason to bake. Once you pick out those perfect apples, call your mom and ask for her apple pie recipe, make some caramel apples, or brew cider (feel free to add alcohol, of course). Baking isn’t your thing? Well, you know what they say: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and that can’t hurt either. Read More »

Early fall yields the best crop of apples, so there is no better time than right now to go apple picking! If you’re planning an orchard getaway with friends, here’s your handy guide to some of the most popular types of apples (did you know some varieties make better pies than others?), and our foolproof recipe for sweet and crunchy apple crisp!

Macintosh- very sweet with a tart afterbite. Smaller apples, best used for apple sauce.

Gala- a supreme dessert apple that’s ideal for baking in pies.

Red Delicious- the best apple to bite right into! Their juicy texture does not bake as well as other varieties.

Granny Smith- crisp and tart, use the green queens for sprucing up dinner dishes.

Empire- Red Delicious too sweet? Macintosh too tart? You’ll get the perfect blend from their offspring, the Empire!

Jonagold- a larger apple that does well in sauces, pies, and yes–apple crisp!

The Recipe: Apple Crisp a la Mode!

Apple crisp  a la mode is truly a dessert for the senses: it combines sweet and savory, crunchy and chewy, fresh-oven warmth and refreshing ice cream. Plus, it’s easy to make and the perfect accompaniment to a Fall movie night with the girls. Wipe off the drool from your keyboard and get baking! Read More »

Labor Day weekend has come and gone, and what’s left of your tan is probably beginning to fade. Add that to the fact that the first week of classes (When you don’t actually have to do anything but collect syllabuses and catch up with friends.)  has been replaced by actual classes, and you’re probably pulling a Danny Zuko and wishing longingly for summer nights.

But autumn isn’t all bad, and here’s why.

1. The Weather. Here on the east coast, we broke records with the sweltering summer heat. And I’m not going to lie; I took full advantage of that warm weather. But sitting in class in weather that’s meant for the beach? Like I’d ever be able to pay attention. I’m eternally grateful that the temperatures dropped just as I’m forced to hit the books. Plus, it gives you an excuse to buy that cute fall jacket you’ve been eying since July.

2. The Pumpkin Spice Lattes. They’re back. Yesterday’s trip to my friendly neighborhood Starbucks confirmed as much. Starbucks has also introduced the Toffee Mocha, along with the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin and the Pumpkin Scone. Its fall food at its best. But if you’re not quite as caffeine crazed  as I am, you could always try an old standby. Caramel Corn. Pumpkin Pie. Apple Pie. Caramel Apples. Apple Cider. Take your pick.

3. The New TV. I love a good reality TV meltdown as much as the next girl, but by the time August rolls around I’m ready for some good old fashion scripted drama. From Glee to Gossip Girl, your old favorites are returning. Don’t you want to watch the new cast of Dancing with the Stars make complete and total fools of themselves? Or find out if Derek actually recovers from the Seattle Grace shooting? Your wait is almost over. Read More »

The following is the second of a five-part series I’m calling “The Top 5 Things You MUST Do In College.” Everyone’s already heard about buying flip-flops for the shower, stocking up on veggies to avoid the Freshman 15, and to steer clear of mojitos before midterms, but there are other tips for enjoying college that the experts might have neglected to tell you about.

This series is meant to provide advice for getting the most out of college, rather than just getting through it. So far we’ve already discussed having a professor as a BFF, and now we’re going to explore the college town…beyond the pub crawl!]

College is a learning experience that extends outside classroom walls. You’re not just amassing knowledge from textbooks, but learning how to manage your time and live on your own. It sounds corny, but it’s true. And one aspect of learning at college that many tend to overlook is learning about your surroundings: your college town.

You may know the basic landmarks (the freshman bar, the frat bar, the upperclassmen bar, the jock bar), but if your only contribution to the local economy is your weekend drinking cash, you could be missing out on much, much more. Whether you go to a small college tucked away in the hills, or a major university in an urban jungle, there is sure to be something exceptional about the land just off campus. Read More »