Fall in Texas: Finding Beauty Beyond the Weather
I’ll admit it — fall has never been my favorite season. I’m a spring and late-summer girl at heart. This is actually our second move to Austin, and funny enough, both moves happened in August… not exactly Austin’s shining moment with its 100+ degree heat.
For years, I longed for the crisp air and nostalgic apple-picking of a northern fall. Instead, I found myself in a place where the heat seemed to stretch from February to October. My February birthday was always warm (a great perk), but the decorative pumpkins on my porch never survived — their little battery candles would melt right out! Not exactly the cozy fall vibe I’d been craving.
This year, though, has been different. A season of transition has been unfolding, and it’s stretched me to let go of old expectations. Nothing like a cancer diagnosis to remind you that expectations can rob us of joy. I’ve realized that my idea of what fall should look like — sweaters, fireplaces, colorful leaves — has been getting in the way of experiencing the beauty of what’s right in front of me.
So I started asking myself: what’s at the heart of fall?
For me, it’s not about pumpkin spice or perfectly crisp mornings. Fall, I’m learning, is a mindset. It’s about how we choose to show up and what we choose to see. Seasons aren’t only about climate — they’re also about rhythm, intention, and the ways we allow ourselves to slow down.
And with this new outlook, I’ve begun to see fall differently — even in Austin. The season draws us inward. It invites us to slow the frantic pace of back-to-school. It builds anticipation for holidays and gatherings. The sky shifts, the moon glows brighter, and when those rare chilly mornings arrive, I find myself savoring them more deeply than ever before.
So, while I may not be lighting the fireplace anytime soon, here are a few simple fall rhythms I’m leaning into this year:
Simple Fall Joys I’m Embracing
Golden Hour Watercolors
My favorite thing that I have started is that I’ve been spending 20–30 minutes outside as the sun sets, painting with this beautiful beginner-friendly autumn watercolor book. It’s such a grounding way to mark the season, but it’s also the perfect way to attract sweet time with my middle school girls … and their friends!!!. With the joy that came from this, I got lost in the excitement of other themes, including The Nutcracker, Christmas, and then I also found these two floral themes that you can get quickly on Amazon!
Turmeric tea at Bedtime
Sleep is deeper and sweeter with this ritual. I use premixed golden milk from Whole Foods (or you can use Turmeric powder and simply add a punch of black pepper to activate), warmed with milk (or in our case, MALK), honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of ground cloves.
Morning Walks
Even before the air is cool, you can feel fall in the sunrise and in the quiet of those early steps outside.
Holiday Organizing
This is my favorite time to prepare for the season ahead, and there is no better time to pull out all your holiday items and get those bins organized than in the fall! You can shop our holiday organizing collection on our new Graceful Spaces Shop Page, which also includes our label tools and outdoor storage choices.
Fall Movie List
For inspiration, Camille Styles put together a list of the best cozy fall movies — and it did not disappoint. You can check it out here.
Graititude Lists
Noticing little signs of fall — a golden leaf, a slower morning, the change in light — helps me appreciate what I might have missed before. Still loving these notebooks I shared in Graceful Living Volume 1.
Organic Wine & Cozy Evenings
Movie night or game night feels extra special when paired with a glass of organic wine (we love Avaline brand, but it does contain sulfates, so if someone has a great organic sulfate-free option, please drop it in the comments for all of us!)
Our favorite games are Rummikub and Monopoly — and I love leaving the pretty versions out on the coffee table, which means we actually play more often.
Embracing the Fall Fashion Trend of Chocolate Brown
From cozy knits to polished leather, these warm, timeless shades make everyday dressing feel intentional and grounded. Check out my blog for my Top 10 Timeless Fall Brown Classics.
1. Autumn Watercolor Book 2. Turmeric 3. Almond MALK 4. Holiday Organizing 5. Notebook 6. Avaline Wine 7. Monopoly 8. Rattan Basket 9. Lounge Set 10. Wine Glasses 11. Rummikub
This year, I’m embracing fall not as the season I thought I was missing, but as an invitation to slow down, lean inward, and savor beauty in new ways. And in that shift, I’ve found a fall that feels more special than ever.
I’d really love to hear if you have some ideas to add to this list! Please comment below! (And definitely comment if you have a tip for finding that organic sulfate free wine!!)
xo,
Christina
P.S. I’ll include a few affiliate links for the items I use and love — but my hope is that the real inspiration comes from the activity itself: showing up with intention, embracing beauty in the everyday, and weaving joy into even the simplest routines.