Embrace the Serenity: A Perfect Fall Weekend Escape

Escape into the enchanting beauty of nature with a quintessential Fall weekend—a perfect blend of cool breezes, vibrant foliage, and serene moments, creating an idyllic retreat that rejuvenates the soul and calms the mind. After weeks of non-stop activity, this autumn getaway was precisely what my husband, Mr. B, and I needed to reconnect with simple pleasures and each other.

Would you believe me if I told you it had been six weeks since Mr. B and I had a “normal” weekend at home? Between the whirlwind of moving into our new Denver abode, the monumental achievement of running the Chicago Marathon, and a continuous stream of family visits, our lives felt like a constant motion blur. There hadn’t been a single moment to simply unwind, to truly ‘chillax’ as we affectionately call it. This much-anticipated fall weekend was our golden opportunity to reclaim our routine, settle into our new space, and savor the tranquility of autumn.

Friday: Reclaiming Routine and Nesting in Our New Home

Friday arrived with the promise of a calmer pace, a chance to tackle the small tasks that bring immense satisfaction after a period of chaos. I spent the day catching up on life’s essentials and indulging in domestic bliss. Piles of laundry were conquered, and the rhythmic hum of the vacuum cleaner filled our new home. You see, we didn’t have carpet at our old place, so the joy of creating those perfectly straight vacuum lines is a newfound obsession – who knew such a simple detail could make a girl so happy?!

Beyond the chores, I dedicated time to two of my passions: photographing delicious food (a continuous culinary journey) and, of course, running. Yes, this was my very first run post-marathon, and it was nothing short of fan-freaking-tastic. I glided effortlessly around Wash Park, leaving my Garmin behind, and found myself smiling from ear to ear. There’s a profound freedom in running purely for the joy of it, without the pressure of training goals or pace targets. Non-training runs truly equate to a happy Lauren.

But the biggest quest on Friday was finally bringing order to our office/den. This room had become a catch-all during the move, a chaotic repository of boxes and forgotten items. I braced myself for an arduous, all-day project, expecting it to take upwards of 15 hours to organize and clean. To my utter delight and surprise, I managed to transform the space in a mere two hours! Boo-yah! It’s still a working progress, of course, but I’m incredibly happy with the initial setup, particularly our designated ‘his/hers’ sections. Mr. B’s beloved guitars are neatly arranged on the left, my creative supplies and books on the right, with a comfortable common ground in the middle. It’s functional, personal, and not too shabby at all for a start, truly helping our new house feel more like a home.

Saturday: Embracing Autumn Traditions and Cheering on the Cats

Saturday dawned early, thanks to our new home’s abundance of natural light. Our mornings of sleeping in are, it seems, a cherished memory of the past, as the sun beams through our window around 7:30 AM with an insistent brightness. Oh well, there are far worse problems to have than a sunny start to the day! We embraced the early wake-up call, appreciating the crisp autumn air and the quiet beginning to our weekend.

With a few precious hours to spare before I was scheduled to meet friends Katie and Listy for a pumpkin patch adventure, Mr. B and I embarked on a leisurely stroll to the Masterpiece Delicatessen for breakfast. The deli, a local gem, was already buzzing with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and savory delights. Mr. B, ever the classic enthusiast, ordered a hearty egg and Reuben sandwich, a comforting blend of flavors. Yours truly, feeling adventurous, opted for a pulled pork and egg sandwich – and let me tell you, it was a revelation! The tender, smoky pork paired with a perfectly cooked egg was an absolute dream. Have mercy, it was divine!

After a satisfying breakfast and a few quick chores around the house, it was time for my long-awaited trip to the pumpkin patch. Yes, I realize I don’t have kids, but I will absolutely never miss an opportunity to take a hayrack ride and pick out the perfect pumpkin. As a child, this was one of my most cherished fall traditions, second only to the thrill of haunted hayrack rides with my family. I am, unequivocally, a BIG fan of all things Halloween – the costumes, the spooky decor, the general festive atmosphere of the season holds a special place in my heart.

Pumpkin Patch Adventures at Mile High Farms

My friends Listy, Katie, Max, Nick, Chance, and I piled into the car and headed out to Mile High Farms, located about 30 minutes east of Denver. This place truly knows how to entertain all ages. For the younger crowd, there were delightful train rides and an adorable petting zoo. For the adults, the farm offered a wonderfully cathartic activity: a station where you could sling shot gourds across a field, unleashing your inner archer. The only slight bummer of the day was the corn maze. Exhibit A (picture below – top left corner): it’s not quite as scary or challenging when you’re taller than the actual corn stalks. Just sayin’ – a little more height would have added to the mystery!

Finally, we boarded the hayrack ride that took us deeper into the fields, arriving at the sprawling pumpkin patch. We scored some truly beautiful pumpkins. I found two ideal specimens, but I’m holding off on carving until closer to Halloween. My strategy? To prevent them from getting crusty, or, even worse, becoming a tasty snack for opportunistic squirrels!

First Home Watch Party: A Roaring Success!

After our delightful afternoon at Mile High Farms, we quickly boogied back to Denver. Kickoff for the big game was at 5 PM, and I still had a few things to do before our “village” of friends descended upon our new place. Yes, we were finally hosting our very first watch party! We managed to comfortably squeeze 14 of our closest friends into our living room, all eager to watch our beloved Cats take on West Virginia. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation, friendly banter, and the shared excitement of rooting for our team in our brand new space.

Well, all of our collective cheering and enthusiastic support must have worked its magic, because the Cats came up with a big, glorious win! Go STATE! The eruption of cheers that filled our living room was truly exhilarating. We celebrated the victory in style, with some celebratory bubbles and an abundance of cheesy pizza. We like to keep things classy and fun around these parts, especially when it comes to celebrating a hard-fought victory. The evening was a perfect blend of camaraderie, competitive spirit, and the joy of creating new memories in our new home.

Sunday: Relaxed Recovery and Autumnal Delights

Sunday, Mr. B and I woke up early again, though this time, we weren’t exactly feeling like sunshine and lollipops. The previous night’s celebrations had taken a slight toll, a small price to pay to the Party Gods, especially since K-State was now ranked an incredible #3 in the country! Whoo-hoo! The slight morning-after fog was easily overshadowed by the pride and excitement of our team’s achievement, making every tired moment worth it.

With our stomachs growling in protest, we hopped on Mr. B’s motorcycle and zoomed over to meet Katie and Kevin at Stella’s for a much-needed brunch. The brisk morning ride in the autumn air was invigorating, clearing our heads and whetting our appetites. Stella’s, known for its delectable brunch offerings, did not disappoint. A robust cup of dark, rich coffee was precisely what I needed to kickstart my system, followed by a truly exquisite plate of smoked trout hash with perfectly poached eggs and crispy fried leeks. Each bite was a delightful symphony of flavors and textures, ensuring my Sunday started on a deliciously positive note, preventing any lingering sourness from the early morning.

After a leisurely and satisfying brunch, we headed back home, ready to embrace a more relaxed pace for the remainder of the day. Our afternoon turned into an indulgent binge-watching session, as we settled in to watch at least five hours of the critically acclaimed series, *Breaking Bad*. Have you seen this show? If not, ruuuun to your computer and add it to your Netflix queue immediately! I promise you will thank me later; it’s an absolute masterpiece of television, gripping from start to finish, and perfect for a cozy fall afternoon indoors.

Despite our cinematic marathon, we managed to squeeze in a refreshing 3-mile walk/jog around our charming neighborhood. The weather was simply gorgeous, with a soft breeze and warm autumn sunshine that was too inviting to resist. It was a perfect opportunity to enjoy the changing leaves and the tranquil atmosphere. This outdoor excursion felt particularly precious, especially since rumor has it, it’s supposed to snow on Friday. Rats! We savored every moment of the beautiful fall day, knowing that winter’s embrace was just around the corner.

Conclusion: Cherishing Autumn’s Embrace and Lasting Memories

I sincerely hope you had an equally wonderful weekend, finding your own moments of joy and relaxation. This fall weekend retreat was a much-needed reset, a perfect balance of domestic tasks, nostalgic traditions, spirited celebrations, and tranquil downtime. It was a time to settle into our new home, enjoy the simple pleasures of the season, and connect with loved ones.

As the vibrant hues of autumn painted the landscape, we embraced every cool breeze and sunlit moment, creating a tapestry of golden memories. Conclude your Fall weekend retreat with memories etched in golden hues—a time well-spent in the embrace of autumn’s tranquility and beauty. Until next time, catch you on the flip side, ready for whatever adventures the changing seasons bring!