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Summer is all about embracing spontaneity and making the most of the long, sun-drenched days. It’s been filled with memorable family trips, time spent at our Malibu house, and delving into various projects and passions. As summer comes to an end, it’s a bittersweet feeling that sweeps in with cooler temperatures. On one hand, I’m saying goodbye to carefree afternoons by the pool. On the other hand, it’s very satisfying to get back into your daily routine. Fall is a natural refreshment and one of my favorite times of year, getting back into healthy habits, rituals, and fall routines that help me thrive.
Back to school (work, social obligations, and the need for structure…) marks the transition from the ease of summer to the busy season. My answer? I prioritize simplicity. Rather than saying yes to everything, spending less is the secret to my success. Although this is already a although Since I graduated, I love trying to get into the back-to-school atmosphere. To share my inspiration and how I’m tackling this busy yet dynamic season, I teamed up with my friends at Target. Because where else can I go to get all the essentials I need to stay focused and feel my best this fall?
Fall routines to inspire seasonal energy
I know you can relate when I say I long for a fresh start. Let’s be honest: For those of us juggling work, family, and personal desires, lazy summer days have their charm, but there’s also a certain satisfaction that comes with rearranging our schedules and getting things done.
That’s where my fall routine comes in, along with my favorite Target products that inspire every aspect of my life. There are countless opportunities to incorporate beautiful, productivity-enhancing essentials into my daily life at work, home, home, and in my personal time. Because I love pairing my favorite products with purpose, I’m going to show you how to get the stress-free, joyful benefits of a fresh fall look. Let’s take a closer look.
Work in an organized manner
As fall begins, we officially say goodbye to summer Fridays and slowly return to more structured work habits. But if you’re like me, the transition from beach vibe to business model might feel a little jarring. However, like all my fall routines, I like to think of it as an opportunity to reset and refocus. Knowing my fall work schedule keeps me focused and on task.
Start with a new to-do list.
One of my favorite productivity strategies is to start with a new to-do list and prioritize the tasks with the highest impact. Think of it as your personal game plan to get the most out of your day. While you’re at it, you can set aside dedicated time to do in-depth work without the distraction of notifications. This has changed my workflow – my future self will thank you when you finish a project with ease instead of scrambling at the last minute.
Prioritize clean spaces.
A messy space, a messy mind – or so the saying goes. But it’s true: How many times have you tried to get into productivity mode, only to get distracted by the chaos around you? While I love deep cleaning my office every few weeks, sometimes I just don’t have the time. In this case, prioritize eliminating visual clutter. All those sticky notes with outdated information? Recycle them. Is your pen holder filled with useless writing utensils? Get rid of them. Pro tip: I also like to use pretty storage boxes to store clutter. From there, keep only what you need and add one or two that are beautiful and inspiring. (My go-tos are a vision board and a vase filled with flowers.)
Design beautiful, functional and comfortable products for your office.
One of the most overlooked keys to productivity is creating a workspace where you want to spend your time. Infuse your office with elements that inspire you. Think about it: Get a comfy lounge cushion for your chair and add some greenery to keep it fresh. Good lighting is crucial, so replace harsh fluorescent lights with stylish table lamps that cast a warm, inviting glow.
Keep our family in order
I like to think of September as a mini New Year’s. The kids are back in school, and I’m ready to tackle my to-do list with renewed energy (and fewer distractions). But as we enter the fast lane for fall activities, the transition isn’t always seamless. Sometimes it feels like we’re playing catch-up before we even start.
The fall routines that keep my home life aligned are those that prioritize organization and communication. I want to make sure we are on the same page as much as possible about schedules, meals, transfers, etc.
Keep a schedule that everyone can see.
Because I live and die by my personal schedule (and my Google Calendar), my family and I implement the same strategy. Before the week begins, we discuss our personal schedules—after-school activities, practices and games, meetings, dinners with friends—and everything Appear on the calendar. That way I always have the calendar handy to refer to when we can’t remember where someone is (or where they’re supposed to be).
Have a Sunday planning meeting.
I like to call it embracing the power of planning. Similar to marriage meetings, I gather my family for a Sunday planning meeting. We use this time to go over everyone’s schedules, set goals, and plan meals together. Everyone can share what they’re working on for the week—whether it’s a school project, a work deadline, or an extracurricular activity. We can identify and discuss potential conflicts and feel good about the week ahead. As the temperatures drop, I like to make it a cozy ritual with hot chocolate or tea. Incorporating this into our weekly routine as a fall routine creates a sense of teamwork and reduces the chaos that comes with juggling multiple schedules.
Make your refrigerator a happy place.
I can’t be the only one obsessed with scrolls in my refrigerator. You know the ones: Creators go home with a bunch of shopping bags, take everything out of the refrigerator, wipe it clean, and restock it that’s all. I call it #fallsgoals, and my favorite storage bins and organizers from Target are helping make it happen. I like to get a few of each size and shape. This way, I can separate similar items (fruits and vegetables, different snacks in different containers, etc.) for a cohesive, satisfying result.
Develop a lunch packing strategy.
My kids are a little older, so they are very autonomous when it comes to preparing their lunches. But for those of you with kids, I recommend making a concerted effort to pack lunches. Of course, it’s important to prepare a balanced meal with the nutrients they need to get through the day at their best. Yet, how many times have your kids come home with an entire box of healthy snacks and a meal they don’t like? To solve this problem, involve them in the packaging process. Talk to them about the foods they prefer to eat from a few different categories: staple foods, fruits, vegetables, crunchy snacks, sweet snacks, etc. .
Moving my home in the fall
As the crisp air of fall begins to replace the heat of summer, now is the perfect time to bring some seasonal freshness to your home in comfort and style. Fall is one of my favorite times to style my home because the neutral tones of the season are so consistent with my go-to hues. (Think: taupes, creams, and natural tones.) Take advantage of these fall routines to bring warmth and depth to any room this season.
Pay attention to texture.
Fall is all about creating that inviting, cozy atmosphere we all crave this time of year. One of the easiest ways to evoke this emotional quality in your space is to change the textures in your home. I love natural wood accents because they soften any space. (Look at that gorgeous armchair and tell me you don’t want to get comfy right away.) I also recommend swapping out lighter fabrics for richer, more textured materials—think velvet throw pillows, chunky knit blankets, and woven baskets Adds a major comfort factor to any room.
Add a rug.
Rugs immediately connote comfort, especially new ones in fall tones like deep orange, burgundy, or forest green. Choosing a color palette that matches the season can instantly transform your living space into a fall paradise. I love the durable look of a vintage floral rug. It has an academic chic feel to it.
Create a vignette.
When I design a space, I look for opportunities to create small “moments”—those nooks and crannies that make you stop and think about their composition. The easiest way is to style the emphasis table. Place trays, candles, found objects, design books, etc.—anything that combines aesthetic beauty with emotional quality.
Don’t forget lighting.
As they say: We never use headlights. Focus on layered lighting, incorporating different light sources throughout the space. Candles also go a long way. Adding some strategically placed candles or lanterns with a soft twinkling glow can create that quintessential fall warmth.
personal
Of all your fall routines, your personal rhythms and rituals may be the most important. Why? Because everything you do in life starts with the energy you bring every day. It’s a cliché, but it’s 100% true – you can’t pour from an empty cup. While summer is all about connecting with people, places, and moments on the outside, fall is the perfect time to go inward. I hope these fall routines inspire you to do just that.
Start with a morning routine.
How you start your day inevitably affects how the day unfolds. That’s why I’m so intentional about my morning routine. It allows me to examine my larger vision, review my goals, and evaluate whether my calendar is–how am I doing actually Spending my time – aligning with this bigger picture. That being said, I view my morning routine as an opportunity to check in, but I also use this time to prioritize the things that are important to me. I like to keep a diary and write down everything that comes to my mind. I make sure to light my favorite candle and make a cup of coffee ahead of time – just to soak up the cozy atmosphere.
Make your health goals simple.
and aesthetic. I recently started keeping a clear glass filled with infused water on my desk. It’s an easy way to make sure I’m achieving my hydration goals while still looking great. Seriously – I finished the whole thing in less than an hour!
Surround yourself with beauty.
This is true for every area of your life and every time of year. We spend so much of our lives on autopilot—so focused and focused on the task at hand—that we rarely look up to appreciate the daily magic around us. That’s why it’s so important to me to fill my days with fall routines and visual reminders of the beauty we can embrace (and that we can see every moment). So whether it’s lighting a candle, writing in your favorite notebook with your favorite pen, or taking a few sips of your favorite drink before starting your to-do list—pause, reflect, and remember : This season is something you should cherish.
Target is making it easier to stay on top of your fall routine. Get all the best back-to-school deals and same-day delivery with a Target Circle 360 membership. I love that it streamlines my shopping process so I can spend more time focusing on the things that make me feel my best.
For more of my favorite entertainment, food, décor, and fashion items, explore and shop my Target store.
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