Shelby: My favorite fall movies are Coraline and Paranorman. The unique usage of both animation and stop-motion is unlike many other movies I’ve seen before, as Laika Studios has a very different genre of movies that they produce. Since I don’t really enjoy watching gory horror movies, the dark fantasy gives more of a psychological thriller feeling than anything else. Coraline is eccentric and full of nostalgia, as it came out 16 years ago but is still a fun movie to watch, as well as having an amazing soundtrack. I remember watching Paranorman when I was kindergarten age, and it is still one of my favorites today for its comedy and spooky vibes, as the characters are unique and the storyline is very involved.Also, my favorite Halloween movie is Jennifer’s Body. I like this movie because it’s not a “scary” movie, but still has horror elements to it while using both comedy and thriller vibes. The cast is filled with many stars, and Amanda Seyfried and Megan Fox’s acting is amazing and full of emotions. I recommend all three movies! 

Anya: Since I was a kid, watching The Nightmare Before Christmas has always been a Halloween tradition. When I was younger and went trick-or-treating, my family and I would either watch it before or after we went out for the night, and we have continued that. I know that for some, this movie is more Christmas-oriented, but for my family, it’s always been more related to Halloween, particularly with the creepy, signature Tim Burton animation style. 

Hayden: The reason I selected Spookley the Square Pumpkin is because of the sentimental value I hold with that film. It was and continues to be a big part of my holiday season around the time of Halloween. Ever since I can remember, my family gathered around the TV to enjoy a fun family movie together, allowing us to continue to create great memories that I hold near and dear to me. The film itself contains a simple story about having people come to accept you no matter how you look, and it goes to show that everyone is human in the end and should be treated as such. I love the story and its values as it was what helped me learn about how everyone is different, but everyone is also human at the same time; creating a sense of inclusion within me. 

Emily: Autumn leaves begin to fall and gusts of cool winds blow, marking the official transition of summer to fall. Houses along the neighborhoods are decorated with various fall items for the classic autumn aesthetic or preparation for Halloween. In any case, my favorite fall decoration would definitely be carved pumpkins as it provides a sense of creativity and uniqueness to your fabulous front porch. Carving pumpkins with either your friends and family gives an exciting experience of connection and something silly and memorable to look back on once the fall season is over.

Alex: During the Halloween season, my favorite decoration to put out is my pumpkin blanket. It is extremely comfortable and also makes my room look very festive during the fall season. It also holds a special place in my heart, because my dog who recently passed loved to lay on it during the other seasons. Don’t worry, I washed it. 

Claire: My favorite fall decoration of all time are pumpkins! This year, I’ve been enjoying the Mickey Mouse Pumpkin. It’s a pumpkin shaped/carved like Mickey Mouse. I have a backpack with a wallet that both glows in the dark and is in the shape of a Mickey pumpkin. I also have crocs with the same design. I have a ton of pumpkin themed stuff throughout my room. Pumpkins would always be my favorite decorations. 

Ms. Doolittle: My go-to Fall drink is a pumpkin spice latte, which I know is a basic answer, but I make them homemade! I pick out a pumpkin spice-flavored creamer and substitute it for my regular coffee creamer. So not exactly a “latte,” but close enough for me. It saves me time and money since I can have my own warm and cozy Fall drink at home and on the go without the hassle of waiting in a drive-thru. I’m a little obsessed with them right now. I will have a caffeinated pumpkin spice latte to go for my mornings at school and a decaf version at home to relax at the end of the day.

Paxton: Apple cider has continued to hold a special place in my heart, from all the good times I can bring up alongside it. Every year, I go to Bishop’s pumpkin patch with family and close family friends. It became a tradition because of the beautiful scenes, fun events and the firework show to top it all off. Apple cider has always been my go to choice of drink for these events; I find its taste to be soothing and comforting in a way, I’m able to feel relaxed with it; safe even. Bishop’s pumpkin patch has an amazing flavor they are able to bring with every sip, every drop full of appley goodness. This year, I can barely wait to get back there and sit around the campfire with my family, cider in hand.

Rafik: Hot chocolate has always been a fall staple for me, as it just kind of gives me the energy of being cozy and warm. During fall, it starts to get colder and the drinks I usually enjoy are iced, so drinks like hot chocolate are a good alternative as hot chocolate can warm you up. I also like that you can kind of customize it by adding things like marshmallows, and those aspects make it a versatile drink for me.

Anya: My favorite fall flavor is cinnamon, despite pumpkin being the more popular choice. For me, I really don’t like the taste of pumpkin, but I love cinnamon rolls. Plus, cinnamon is something that I add to season a lot of foods, like French toast. So it is the superior option, especially as the flavor of cinnamon simply exudes the fall aesthetic, which is why I selected it.

Paxton: Pumpkin flavored items are a staple of the fall season, with many popular brands hoping on the trend every year to market the changing of weather. One of my all time favorite foods is pumpkin pie, whenever I see it I can’t help but grab a slice. I love pumpkin flavored items when done right, however if done wrong, it can leave a foul taste in your mouth. For example, I was ecstatic to learn of a pumpkin spice flavored protein shake. So much so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it, but when I took my first sip, I instantly regretted ever even wanting the shake in the first place. The taste was awful; it almost tasted like a spoonful of cinnamon was put in my mouth. I ended that day off with a bad taste in my mouth. 

Ms. Doolittle: One of my favorite Fall activities is carving pumpkins with my family. My fiancé and I usually carve pumpkins with his family for Halloween. It’s just a fun way for us to all spend time together and be creative. We also always salvage the pumpkin seeds so we can season and bake them to eat later. Since I moved up here from Fresno, I also live closer to my nieces and nephews, which means we get to help them carve their pumpkins this year too!

Claire: My favorite fall activity is crocheting cute fall things. I love crocheting decor, plushies and wearables/accessories. I love to crochet pumpkins, since the pattern is super easy and it’s easy to make in many different sizes. I also love to make beanies because they’re perfect to make when the weather cools down, and they’re very versatile in what type of beanie you make. All the fall/Halloween colors just look so aesthetic in the projects! 

Alex: My favorite fall activity is going to Apple Hill with my friends and family. It is such a pretty area with lots of festive activities to do. They also offer a lot of good food options all around, including apple cider donuts which are my personal favorites. It’s worth the drive for some pretty sights and fun activities.

Shelby: As someone who loves baking, finding a recipe that everyone loves, especially during fall, is very important to me. Since pumpkin and coffee are popular flavors (and chai is my favorite), think Starbucks pumpkin spice latte/pumpkin cream chai, I decided I wanted to find/make a recipe that combined them to make something sweet but fill people with the feeling of autumn. 

Here’s the recipe for the cupcakes:

Pumpkin Chai Latte Cupcakes with Espresso Cream Cheese Frosting:

Ingredients for the chai spice:

-2 tsp ground cinnamon

-1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

-1/2 tsp ground cloves

-1 tsp ground cardamom

-1/4 tsp ground ginger

-1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

-1/3 cup granulated sugar

Instructions: 

-Mix all the ingredients together except for the sugar

-Mix half of the mixture with the sugar and set aside

-Leave the other half of the mixture (without the sugar) to the side to use for the cupcakes

Ingredients for the cupcakes:

-1 1/2 cups cake flour

-1 can of pumpkin puree (15 oz)

-1/2 cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)

-1/2 cup brown sugar

-1/4 cup granulated sugar

-2 tsp vanilla extract

-2 eggs

-1/2 cup milk

-1 1/4 baking powder

-1/2 tsp baking soda

-1/2 tsp salt

-The other half of the chai spice mixture (the one without the sugar)

Instructions:

-Whisk all wet items together

-Slowly incorporate dry items

-Add milk last

-Should be fully mixed but not entirely smooth (it will be thicker due to the pumpkin puree)

Baking Instructions:

-Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-23 minutes (depends on the oven)

-Let cool for 5-10 minutes

-Dip into set-aside chai spice and sugar mixture

Ingredients for Frosting:

-1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature

-4 oz of cream cheese

-2 cups of powdered sugar

-2 tsp of vanilla extract

-1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

-1 tsp espresso powder

-1 tsp of the left over chai spice and sugar mixture

Instructions:

-Use a hand/stand mixer to cream the butter and cream cheese for around three minutes

-Add in remaining ingredients and mix on a high speed until light and fluffy (around 3-4 minutes)

*Can make while the cupcakes are cooking

Presenting Instructions:

-Use a piping bag for the frosting

-Sprinkle on remaining chai spice and sugar mixture

*Optional: add cinnamon stick